Local 5138 Bargaining Update: Sessions # 7, April 4, 2023
HPAE Local 5138 held its seventh (7th) day of negotiations with HMH today, April 4. We presented HMH with our counters for today and went over each of them. We had some good discussion regarding evaluations and the Merit Program, and we are continuing to make some progress. We had a longer conversation in regard to staffing and how some of HMH’s proposals and counters were only going to increase our staffing problems.
In our discussion regarding staffing, we consistently stated to HMH that they need to treat their RNs with respect and that they need to let their RNs know that they are valued.
We explained how some of HMH’s proposals will not reflect that to their RNs. To effectively try and fix our staffing problems, we need to be the Hospital that will attract the best new
RNs and the one that will retain the most experienced and dedicated RNs that our community deserves.
Our next bargaining session is Wednesday, May 3rd and we are also scheduled to meet on May 4th, 5th, 8th, and 12th. As we continue to make progress with HMH we also continue to repeat that we are staying focused on wages, health and safety, and staffing. We want to say thank you to the current Contract Action Team (CAT) members and continue to invite anyone that may want to join the CAT team by clicking the link:
https://www.hpae.org/2022/10/local-5138-cat-signup-form/
As we have said, we will be putting out a member update after each bargaining session to keep you informed. You can also find information at https://www.hpae.org/local/local-5138/
Throughout these negotiations, let us show our solidarity by wearing your HPAE pins! In addition, wear something else RED: headband, bracelet, red shoelaces… Go Union!
Let Hackensack Meridian Health Know:
RESPECT US, PROTECT US & SUPPORT US
Local 5138 Bargaining Team
- Anna Pona, President
- Corey Martinez-Tortorello, Vice-President
- Alice Howarth, Secretary-Treasurer
- Colleen Pignatelli, Grievance Chair