HPAE Local 5094 Contract Update

Contract Negotiations Continue
 

Still waiting for a wage proposal from management

At the most recent negotiating session held on June 19, still prior to the NJ State budget being finalized, the discussion began by trying to reach a common understanding on how incumbent employees could be guaranteed an interview if an application is submitted in a timely manner. We feel there was some progress made in this area. In addition there was a great deal of discussion surrounding improving the chances of placement for research professionals who are on lay off. UMDNJ stated that they were planning to make us a counter offer on economics as well as other items at our next session, scheduled for July 10th.

Click here to review our contract proposals. [Make hyperlink]

President’s Message

Your support and that of the entire professional staff is critical to achieving our goals at the bargaining table and we are off to a great start.  The contract survey was completed by almost 1000 members, a tremendous improvement over the 250 completed surveys collected two years ago. Your negotiation team used the results obtained from the survey to prepare the proposals for the wage re-opener.  These proposals were presented and endorsed at well-attended membership meetings in Newark, New Brunswick, Piscataway and Stratford.  The results of the survey were as follows:

• We want a fair wage increase.
• We do not feel we are fairly compensated for
  our experience and job responsibilities.
• We do not feel our wages have kept up with
  the cost of living.
• We are not happy at the prospect of paying for
  our health insurance.
• We support negotiating for supplemental
  retiree health benefits.
• We support improving opportunities for
  internal job applicants.
• We support limiting UMDNJ’s ability to
  subcontract work.

Your negotiation team will be asking for your support during the course of these negotiations in many ways (button days, petition drive, rallies, membership meetings etc.); please participate.  A visibly supportive and involved membership adds clout to our positions at the bargaining table and increases our chances for a fair agreement.

Submitted by:  Thomas Murphy, Co-President Newark Campus

WHO’S WATCHING
THE CONSULTANTS?

We see some changes within hospital procedures, but are they good and effective?  Nothing locks people in error as much as the daily repetition of error.  Who is challenging these procedures, are there any front line people helping in the decision making of these new policies?  I hope realization comes quick to the executives in charge that there are business consultants, business health consultants, and that there is a major difference between the two.  Which do we have???

At UMD we have a great deal of equipment classified as “high priority,” meaning the manufacturer is the only place you can buy replacement parts.  Our new purchasing procedures require us to try to get three bids (this takes 3 to 4 weeks.)  Then, when the obvious happens, you are allowed to request a waiver.  Finally, the part is ordered and takes another 1 to 2 weeks to arrive; leaving life saving equipment out of service for about 4 to 6 weeks.  Can someone tell me why the bidding process is necessary if the manufacturer is the only place you can purchase the part?

We realize some parts of the hospital’s business procedures needed a major upgrade, as the business health world dictates, but not all as a regular business.  Looking at some of the decisions that have been made it’s intuitively obvious to the most casual observer that the thought process was absent.  Many of the new procedures will endanger patient care, which shows the consultants have no known background in health care, not a clue.

Nevertheless, if the hospital wants to lose the bad reputation it better look carefully at the decisions these consultants are making.  UMD should make sure that front-line employees are heard – technicians, nurses and other professionals who know the best ways to solve the problems that pertain to patient care.

Submitted by: Samuel McVay

• Supplemental Retire Health Benefits through the HPAE Retiree Medical Trust
   

·         General Information on The Medical Expense Reimbursement Program of the HPAE Retiree Medical Trust

Why I am an Activist

When I was asked about nine years ago if I wanted to become a Union Rep in the Dental School, my first thought was why wouldn’t I want to be one?  My experiences as a Rep, a member of the contract negotiation team, and an officer have greatly exceeded the notions I’d had about the impact I could make.  I asked my fellow Reps why they became activists; what follows are a couple of their responses:

From June H:

I have been an active member with the Union for many years and I was in for the duration no matter what (1st strike vote) and I know first-hand that unity makes all the difference in the world.  I'm just a natural born fighter for justice and what is right.  I always will encourage others to make a difference and not be afraid, HPAE will stand with you!!!

From Mary D:

My motivation was to have access to more information by putting myself right in the middle of things.  Once I started working with the other reps and officers I realized that there really was more to the union than the dues I was paying.  I have now made it a point to encourage others to be involved and to ask questions.  It works both ways.  You can’t get information or voice opinions if you don’t start speaking up.

From Chanita M:

I was tired of hearing others, as well as myself, complain about UMDNJ mistreating employees with their double standards.

We will continue into the next issues with more of these responses.  We welcome any and all who want to join with us.  If you need more information about becoming a Rep or Liaison, please contact in Newark - Tom Murphy at 2-4119 or murphytf@umdnj.edu; or in Central/South Jersey – Judy Cunha at 5-9479 or cunhaju@umdnj.edu.

Submitted by:  C. Swass-Fogarty