May 2022 HPAE News…
2022 Nurses Week: Respect Us. Protect Us. Support Us.
As we observed Nurses Week 2022—May 6 to May 12—a week that the world has set aside to appreciate our nurses, it is worth pointing out that as vital as our nurses have been during this pandemic, this noble profession did not just deserve recognition during the pandemic. Nurses have always deserved our respect. They also deserve to be protected and supported so our healthcare systems can continue to care for our communities when we are at our most vulnerable.
HPAE Locals are in Bargaining Across NJ
HPAE Local 509 at Bergen New Bridge; 5131 and 5621 at Inspira Health; 5094 and 5089 at Rutgers University; 5112 at Cornerstone Behavioral Health; 5421 at Salem Medical Center; 5103 at the American Red Cross are currently at the bargaining table. Locals 5058 and 5138 at Hackensack Meridian will head to the table later this year. Be on the look out for ways to support our HPAE sisters and brothers fighting for safer working conditions and fairer economic benefits.
HPAE First Vice President Barbara Rosen’s testimony on Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act!
Day in and day out, nurses, social workers and other health professionals working in our hospitals and nursing homes face threats and actual physical violence as ‘part of the job’. They report being kicked, punched, scratched, spit at and even beaten. But being verbally or physically assaulted doesn’t have to be part of the job, not if we set standards for our healthcare institutions.
Support Needed for Striking Healthcare Workers at St. Michael’s Medical Center
The nurses and techs of JNESO at St. Michael’s Medical Center are striking because St. Michael’s is trying to force these frontline healthcare heroes and their patients to accept lower safety standards instead of the safety and dignity they deserve. HPAE is proud to join the picket line and show St. Michael’s the strength of our solidarity. Fair contract now!
HPAE congratulates Newark Mayor Ras Baraka on his re-election
Mayor Baraka has been a friend and partner in the struggle to empower healthcare workers, especially at Newark’s University Hospital.
Do you qualify to have your student loans forgiven?
AFT has developed an easier, more streamlined process to access the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Please watch for AFT emails with a direct link to the program, “Summer.” Summer will help HPAE members navigate the process of getting loans forgiven. Visit Summer: Simplifying student debt | American Federation of Teachers (aft.org).
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Union Plus Benefits.
Learn about the many consumer discounts and insurance benefits available to HPAE members through our national union, the AFT.
HPAE Retiree Medical Trust.
Learn about the benefits provided by the HPAE Retiree Medical Trust, a medical reimbursement program for HPAE retirees.