A Message from the State Officers on the HPAE Convention….And Other HPAE News
October 20, 2016
A Message from our State Officers on the HPAE Convention
On October 6 and 7, over 200 HPAE delegates, members, and staff came together to launch an ambitious plan to take on corporate healthcare, deepen membership involvement, win strong contracts, grow our union and strengthen community alliances.
Make no mistake, we are in difficult times and we need to take on increasingly more powerful health systems if we are to protect our workplace rights, our voice in patient care and the standards of care and working conditions we have worked so hard to earn.
Why We’re Stronger Together With Hillary Clinton as President
Hillary Clinton has served as secretary of state, U.S. senator from New York, first lady of the United States, first lady of Arkansas, a practicing lawyer and law professor, and an activist with the Children’s Defense Fund. In every capacity, she has dedicated herself to fighting for working women and men, and especially for children. HPAE urges our members to support Hillary Clinton for President in the upcoming November 8th election.
Professional Staff at UH Ratify Contract Agreement, RNs at UH to Vote on Settlement
Local 5094 members at University Hospital (UH) in Newark have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a tentative contract agreement with management. The three year contract for professional staff at the hospital expires September 30, 2017 and includes wage increases, a hike in the shift differential, and tuition reimbursement increases.
Meanwhile Local 5089, which represents RNs at the hospital, has reached a tentative agreement UH which also contains significant improvements. Local 5089 members at the hospital will be holding contract ratification meetings on Monday, October 24.
Read more here about the Local 5094 contract ratification.
Read more here about the Local 5089 settlement and ratification meetings.
Chris Whalen Named Executive Director of HPAE
HPAE is pleased to announce the promotion of Christopher Whalen to the position of HPAE Executive Director, effective December 5, 2016. Chris has been with HPAE for 10 years. In that time he has developed a terrific staff team within the public sector department of HPAE. He helped our leaders maintain and build strong locals at Rutgers University, Rowan University, University Hospital and the prison system during the massive restructuring of the UMDNJ. He’s been an essential part of our growth and success.
Chris brings to this position a vision and skills that will further advance HPAE. We welcome him in his new role.
HPAE Participates in Community Forum on the Future of BRMC
HPAE leaders and members participated in a community forum organized by Bergen Grass Roots Monday night at the Teaneck Public Libary to discuss the crucial decisions the Bergen County government will soon be making about the future of Bergen Regional Medical Center (BRMC) – New Jersey’s largest hospital.
HPAE Supports “Out of Network” Legislation
HPAE participated in a press conference last week with consumer, business, and other labor unions to call on New Jersey legislators to post and pass the proposed Out-of-Network bill (A1592). HPAE Public Policy Director Bridget Devane stated that “our members care deeply about their patients and the future of their hospitals. Healthcare workers live and work in the communities they serve and utilize their hospitals for their own medical care. This legislation creates a balance that protects patients from surprise medical bills while also protecting the financial stability of New Jersey hospitals by establishing fair reimbursement rates for our hospitals and providers.”
This Week in U.S. Labor History: Eugene V. Debs
Eugene V. Debs, U.S. labor leader and socialist, dies in Elmhurst, Ill. Among his radical ideas: an 8-hour workday, pensions, workman’s compensation, sick leave and social security. He ran for president from a jail cell in 1920 and got a million votes – October 20, 1926
Read about other important struggles and events in U.S. labor history which occurred from October 17 to October 23, provided by Union Communication Services (UCS).
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