HPAE 5089 Rutgers Bargaining Update, November 13, 2026

Your bargaining team remains steadfast in our commitment to securing a fair and equitable contract that recognizes the dedication, expertise, and invaluable contributions of Rutgers nurses and advanced practice providers.

November 10th, 2026 Bargaining Session: Progress, but Still No Movement on Wages

On November 10, we returned to the bargaining table with Rutgers management. While Rutgers has yet to provide an updated response to our financial proposals or engage in meaningful discussions regarding wage increases, we did have some productive conversations concerning several of our non-economic proposals.

We appreciate the constructive dialogue and Rutgers’ expressed willingness to continue these discussions at future bargaining sessions.

However, our members deserve more than conversations. We deserve substantive proposals, meaningful progress, and a fair contract.

After months of sluggish negotiations, it is time for Rutgers to demonstrate its commitment through action, particularly on the economic issues that directly affect our members and their families.

Our Inaugural Strike School: An Important First Step

We are pleased to report that our inaugural Strike School was a success!

Members across the bargaining unit attended, participating in an informative and engaging session that provided an opportunity to ask questions, discuss the realities and potential impact of a strike, and better understand our collective rights.

Let us be clear: We are not at the point of calling a strike, nor are we close to making that decision. However, given the prolonged pace of negotiations and Rutgers’ limited substantive movement, we believe it is important to begin educating and preparing our members well in advance.

An informed membership is an empowered membership.

We will continue hosting Strike Schools until every member has had a meaningful opportunity to become educated about the process, implications, and responsibilities associated with a strike.

If you have not attended a Strike School, we strongly encourage you to attend an upcoming session. Please look out for future emails announcing additional dates.

A special thank you and congratulations to our bargaining team for organizing and delivering such a successful inaugural session. Your dedication, preparation, and commitment to educating our membership are deeply appreciated.

We’re Officially on Social Media!
HPAE Local 5089 is now on Instagram.

We are excited to expand our presence beyond the bargaining table and create another platform to connect, inform, and mobilize our membership.

Our Instagram page will provide bargaining updates, highlight important union activities, celebrate our members, and help raise public awareness about the issues affecting Rutgers nurses and advanced practice providers.

We encourage every member to follow our page, engage with our posts, and share our content with colleagues and professional networks.

The more we amplify our message, the more we strengthen our collective voice. Our fight for a fair contract is not just about our members; it is also about ensuring that the public understands the value of the healthcare professionals who care for our communities every day.

Leafletting in Atlantic City at the League of Municipalities – Tuesday, November 17th

Every year, the League of Municipalities gathers elected officials and community leaders from across the state. We are planning to leaflet on Tuesday, November 17th at noon outside of the convention center to talk to elected officials about putting pressure on Rutgers to bargain a fair contract. Please contact Bennett Nagurka at [email protected] if you can join!

Our Strength Is in Our Membership

Every member who stays informed, attends a meeting, participates in an educational session, shares our message, or engages a colleague strengthens our collective bargaining power.

We are fighting for a contract that reflects our professional value, respects our experience, and recognizes the essential care we provide every day.

Our next bargaining session is scheduled for December 2nd, 2026. We will continue to keep you informed as bargaining progresses and look forward to your continued engagement and support

Thank you for your unwavering support.

#ProtectPatientsRespectNurses

In solidarity,

HPAE Local 5089 Bargaining Team

Sabrina Brown Oliver Peck, VP Local 5089, APN UCHC
Randa Francis, VP Local 5089, APN, RWJMS
Rachel Woodall-Thomas, Grievance Chair 5089 Rutgers, RN UCHC
Joe Bentivegna, APN UCHC
Arcival Salazar, APN RWJMS
Joan Santner, RN UBHC
Tara Andino, RN, UCHC
Uchenna Nwankwo, RN
Dawn Yuhas, RN, RWJMS
Susan Bauer, CRNA, RWJMS
Kathleen Kakfa, Research Nurse Clinician, CINJ