HPAE RNs launch media campaign during contract negotiations with South Jersey Healthcare
Health Professionals and Allied Employees
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Emerson, NJ 07630
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Registered Nurses at South Jersey Healthcare (SJH) launched a media campaign to coincide with their negotiations for a new contract with the hospital, including online advertisements and signs on shuttle vans travelling throughout South Jersey. The ads highlight the “Nursing Excellence” provided by the unionized nurses at SJH, and is also a theme in negotiations, as the nurses are promoting policies that would provide support for nursing advancement and educational opportunities.
The 800 Registered Nurses represented by the Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) Local 5131 are bargaining for improved standards for safer staffing, support for advanced RN degrees and certifications, and limitations on forced reassignment.
“Through our contract negotiations, we are working to ensure that there are standards for having qualified nurses in appropriate numbers at the bedside of our patients to provide the highest quality of care for patient care needs,” said Michelle Silvio, RN and President of HPAE Local 5131.
“During these uncertain times of changes HPAE RNs are focused on establishing and maintaining standards for their patients, their profession and their community hospitals. The number and range of awards that HPAE nurses have won over the years demonstrates the value and excellence of our nursing workforce, and we are asking the hospital to recognize the importance of educational opportunities and safe staffing levels in our contract,” added Silvio.
The current contract between HPAE and SJH expires May 31, 2013. Nurses at SJH organized their union in 2006; ratified their first contract in 2007 and are currently bargaining a third contract agreement. For more information on HPAE “Nursing Excellence” campaign visit www.hpae.org/sjh2013.