HPAE Convention Begins….And Other HPAE News

October 6, 2016

HPAE Convention Begins

HPAE is holding its bi-annual convention today and tomorrow in Atlantic City at Bally’s. The theme of the convention is “Challenging Corporate Healthcare” and we will be discussing new strategies for bargaining, for organizing and growing our union, for member engagement, and for working with our communities to push back against corporate control over our healthcare. In next week’s update, we’ll have full coverage of the convention.

Tentative Settlement Reached at University Hospital for Professional Staff

Local 5094 reached a tentative agreement with University Hospital for a three year contract covering the hospital’s professional staff on Tuesday. The contract includes wage increases, a hike in the shift differential, and tuition reimbursement increases. Ratification meetings will be held next week.

HPAE Responds to Consultant’s Report on Workplace Violence at BRMC

In testimony given to the Bergen County Industrial Authority today, health and safety expert Jonathan Rosen, MS CIH, identified some key omissions in a report prepared by Joint Commission Resources on Bergen Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC’s) workplace violence prevention program. Rosen pointed out that the report failed to evaluate and summarize the extent and severity of workplace violence at BRMC.

HPAE Staff Member Sandy Theriaque Is Retiring

Sandy Theriaque, an HPAE Administrative Support Staff member, has retired after working at HPAE for 19 years. Sandy made a great contribution to our union, working closely with our Staff Reps and Organizers to provide the most up to date membership data. Through all these years, Sandy exhibited a great work ethic, which was appreciated by all. In a retirement party held at HPAE’s Emerson office on Tuesday, HPAE staff spoke fondly of Sandy and wished her the best for a wonderful retirement. (Sandy is 6th from the left in the photo above.)

HPAE’s Chief of Staff To Be Honored by WEC

Jeanne Otersen, HPAE’s Chief of Staff, will be honored by New Jersey Work Environment Council (WEC) for her “tireless efforts advocating for New Jersey’s nurses and health care professionals” at the organization’s 30th Anniversary and Annual Awards Dinner on November 18.

This Week in U.S. Labor History

The United Mine Workers of America votes to re-affiliate with the AFL-CIO after years of on-and-off conflict with the federation. In 2009 the union’s leader, Richard Trumka, becomes AFL-CIO President – October 4, 1961

Read about other important struggles and events in U.S. labor history which occurred from October 3 to October 9, provided by Union Communication Services (UCS).

HPAE Convention Begins….And Other HPAE News