HPAE Local 5186 at Christ Hospital

Prime Healthcare pulls out of deal to purchase Christ Hospital in Jersey City

Jersey City neighborhood associations form 'community oversight board' to monitor Christ Hospital sale

January 24, 2012

JERSEY CITY AND BEYOND - Save Christ Hospital, a grassroots Jersey City effort that is trying to bring more transparency to the potential sale of the hospital, has formed a community oversight board to "represent ordinary citizens of Hudson County in the plans to sell this important community asset," according to a release from the organization. The advisory board is comprised of people 14 neighborhood associations and community groups, according to Jersey City activist Paul Bellan-Boyer. read more

Promises Made, Promises Broken
January 20, 2012

To win support for Christ Hospital's sale to a for-profit hospital chain from California, hospital executives made a lot of promises to our community, hospital employees, and state regulators. However, the executives' real intentions can be found in the signed contract between Christ Hospital and Prime Healthcare Services, Inc. (PHS)
Read What the Contract Really Says


Local 5186 RNs and Community Members Stand Together to Save Christ Hospital
January 6, 2012

Christ Hospital RNs and community members have issued a flyer to educate Jersey City residents about the problems connected with Prime Healthcare's bid to buy the hospital and the need to maintain quality services.

Read the Flyer


California Hospital Chain Eyed for Possibly Bilking Medicare for Millions
December 19

CEO of Christ Hospital defends deal to sell Jersey City hospital to California-based Prime Healthcare Services, now undergoing FBI investigation of its billing practices
December 15

Christ Hospital in Jersey City announces 50 jobs will be cut as protesters rally against impending sale
December 6, 2011

Community Campaign Launched
November 18, 2011

HPAE Local 5186 has joined with New Jersey Citizen Action and the "Save Christ Hospital" organization to protect quality services at Christ Hospital.
Read the Community Flyer (English and Spanish versions)

Assemblyman Ramos Urges State to Conduct a Full Review of Prime Healthcare's Bid to Buy Christ Hospital
November 11, 2011

In a letter to Attorney General Paula Dow, Assemblyman Ruben Ramos urged the state to reject Christ Hospital's request for an expedited review of the sale of the hospital to Prime Healthcare.
Read Assemblyman Ramos' Letter

Let’s wait a while - Council concerned over Christ Hospital sale
October 30, 2011

Jersey City City Council members quiz Christ Hospital CEO on hospital's pending sale
October 26, 2011

Community Petition Launched: "The Future of Christ Hospital is in Our Hands"
October 25, 2011

HPAE Local 5186 is circulating a flyer and petition in the community to alert residents about concerns raised regarding Prime Healthcare's provision of patient care in hospitals that they own.
Read the Flyer

Is Prime Health the Right Choice for our Hospital?
October 4, 2011

HPAE President Ann Twomey and Local 5186 President Nicole Mankowski updated the membership on Prime Healthcare Services' attempt to buy Christ Hospital and raised serious concerns about the purchase.
Read Ann and Nicole's Letter to the Membership

HPAE Letter to AG and Health Commissioner Regarding Prime Healthcare
September 25, 2011

On September 21, HPAE President Ann Twomey and Local 5186 President Nicole Mankowski sent a letter to the Attorney General of New Jersey and the Commisssioner of the Department of Health and Senior Services regarding Prime Healthcare Services (PHS), the for-profit company that is seeking to take ownership of the hospital. Based on the many concerns raised by their management practices in California, Ann and Nicole urged the state officials to review carefully this change of ownership.
Read the Letter

Contract Settlement Ratified by Overwhelming Margin
May 26, 2011

At ratification meetings today, Local 5186 members voted to accept the tentative contract settlement with Christ Hospital management.

Tentative Settlement Reached! Ratification Vote Set
May 25, 2011

At the bargaining session today, the Local 5186 Negotiations Committee reached a tentative settlement with management. Membership ratification meetings will be held tomorrow.
Read More

Members Support Committee With Strike Authorization Vote, Bargaining Continues This Week
May 18, 2011

On May 12, Local 5186 almost overwhelmingly authorized the Negotiations Committee to issue a 10 day notice of concerted activity to management if negotiations cannot resolve the remaining issues. (See photos of members attending the meeting below.) Bargaining occurred yesterday and another session is scheduled tomorrow.

Important Membership Meeting and Vote
May 5, 2011
There is an important membership meeting and vote on May 12. All members are expected to attend.
Read More

Bargaining Update: Hospital Offers Nothing
May 3, 2011
While we reached agreement on one small item at today's bargaining session, the hospital has still not given us an economic offer or seriously addressed our proposals on staffing.
Read More

Bargaining Update
April 26, 2011
We had negotiating sessions on April 21 and April 26. So what is the status of the negotiations?
Read More

Bargaining Session #2
April 14, 2011
We had our second bargaining session with the hospital today. The next session is April 21.
Read More About Today's Session

Local Members Rally to Support a Good Contract, Improved Staffing
April 7, 2011

Wearing buttons saying "Some Cuts Won't Heal", Christ Hospital RNs rallied and held meetings outside the hospital to show support for a good contract that strengthens staffing language.

Grievance Chair Shelley Crowe Explains Why HPAE RNs Are Strong Patient Advocates

Bargaining Begins for Successor Contract
April 1, 2011

We had our first negotiating session with management yesterday. The current contract expires May 31, 2011.
Read More

Letter to the Membership Regarding Staffing and Labor-Management Committees, Walk-through Rounds
March 11, 2011

In a letter to the membership Local 5186 President Nicole Mankowski lists the agenda items for the Staffing and Labor-Management Committees. She also announces that the Local Executive Board will make walk-through rounds in the hospital on March 18.
Read More


Down-Staffing Class Action Grievance Update
August 18, 2010

Dear members,

You may or may not be aware that your union filed a class action grievance on improper down-staffing that occurred between November 2008 and March 2009.

This class action grievance would not have been filed unless our members notified the Local’s representative that they believed the down-staffing was in violation of the contract. As a result of the grievance, the Union and the Hospital have reached a settlement. A total of 109 nurses were affected and will receive vacation time added into their checks dated 8/27/10. Affected nurses who no longer work at a benefit position at Christ Hospital will receive monetary payout.

It took endless hours of data collection and meetings to reach this agreement. Some of you will only receive a few hours while others will have a substantial amount of time restored. Collectively it was over 3,000 hours.

As a result of this grievance many changes were made to the down-staffing article (Article 25) in your contract. When you are called to take a day off remember to ask: “If I am being down-staffed, what is the census?” “Were Per Diems and overtime cancelled?” “Were volunteers asked first?” Keep a record of the down-staffing: who called you, the time, the census, etc. If you feel the down-staffing was in violation of the contract call a Rep (listed on the Union bulletin board), but remember to act quickly as there is a specific time frame for filing grievances.

You are the voice of the union. If you do not speak up the problems will go unresolved. Situations can only be fixed if people are willing to speak up about the problem and become part of the solution!

Your Local Executive Board will continue to look at what is in the best interest of the members and take action when necessary to correct injustices and improve our working conditions.

In Unity,
HPAE Local 5186
Local Executive Board

Contact info:

President - Nicole Mankowski
551-689-3034 – nurseniki@optonline.net

Vice-President – Mary Alice Somers
201-792-9473 - 201-725-0158 - MaryAli62@aol.com

HIT Best Practices Checklist: How does Christ Hospital measure up?
The AFT recently adopted a resolution outlining Best Practices that should govern the development, introduction, and implementation of Health Information Technologies (HIT) in our hospitals, including electronic health records (EHR); computerized physician order entry (CPOE); computerized time and attendance systems; automated pharmacy systems, etc. Click here to view the resolution. HPAE was part of the Working Group that developed these Best Practices.

We’d like to hear how well your facility or your unit/department measures up to these Best Practices. Please complete and submit this HIT Best Practices Checklist. We’ll share the results of this informal survey with you and policy-makers. Click here to take the survey.

Members Vote No to Concessions
June 28, 2010

A vote was held on June 17, 2010 on whether or not the membership would agree to make further concessions in light of the hospital's financial difficulties. The result of the vote was no -- 66 / 48.

A Labor-Management meeting was held on June 24, 2010. The hospital announced its intent to increase the percentage paid for health insurance for HPAE members only, effective July 16, 2010 paycheck. For full-time employees, depending on salary and type of plan, it will increase from 8.96-19.61% to 20% and for part-time employees it will increase from 20.99-28.60% to 35%. Fortunately, Article 44 Section 3 of your contract limits the percentage to 20% for full time employees and 50% for part time employees.

Contact info:
President - Nicole Mankowski
551-689-3034 – nurseniki@optonline.net

Vice- President – Mary Alice Somers
201-792-9473 - 201-725-0158 -- MaryAli62@aol.com

HPAE Staff Representative -- Leo Torrey
201-262-5005 ext. 141

May 13, 2010

Dear Members,

This is an update of the last membership meeting held on May 13, 2010.

Nicole Mankowski has been appointed President by the Local Executive Board, and has appointed Mary Alice Somers as Vice-President. Elections will be held in August, giving you the opportunity to elect officers.

Despite these changes, the union is carrying on, and will continue to fight to protect the rights and livelihood of the nurses at Christ Hospital.

Our last membership meeting had an excellent turnout! From this meeting, we were able to ascertain from our membership their input as to what extent, if any, the local is willing to contribute some form of relief to Christ Hospital, in light of it's significant financial problems

And you have spoken very clearly to us and we thank you. We will be in touch with you soon about future updates on this issue, and a possible vote, if need be, only on the issues spoken about. The input/vote from the membership will always be sought before any decisions are made. We thank you for your support, and we remain dedicated and committed to serving you as your Local Executive Board.

HPAE Local 5186

Local Executive Board

April 29, 2010

Local 5186 members recently experienced a layoff. This included the permanent closure of the 3 East medical/surgical unit. Staff reductions were based on the hospital decision that reduced census and government subsidies would not support our current nurse staff number. 53 nurses were affected by either layoff, reduced hours, and bumping (rights afforded in our contract). The final outcome was that three people will no longer be at Christ hospital. We wish all the best in their future as we will miss them.

Let us continue to support each other and provide for our patients. Speak out as you see any condition due to reduced staff and resources.

Management Announces Widespread Layoffs

But what's their plan? Read the most up to date information here to find out how this affects you.

Message From the President

Greetings Nurses:

As many are aware from attending Membership Meetings, and reading flyers received at home or in the workplace, your new contract is in the final stages of printing. All members will receive a personal copy sent to them via mail, unit mailbox or by picking up a copy at the union office in the school of nursing on the THIRD TUESDAY of every month.

If you are not aware, having many legal reviews and proofreading sessions is a standard part of the procedure before the contract can be printed. Please remember that the Executive Board was negotiating the pension until October. Other locals are also awaiting final copies of their contracts.

Once you receive your copy read it carefully, and keep it accessible. There will be extra copies in the officers’ mailboxes as well as union office across the street. The office will be open for you to come and speak with your officers or representatives in privacy. Details will be posted on the union notice board near the cafeteria and read “Our door is open”.

Walk-thrus are often random but do not hesitate to stop and set aside a moment to update us on issues or request a more formalized time to meet at a mutually agreeable time. We want to be here and available to members.

There is a Holiday Party committee in place to provide a great seasonal event to relax and share friendship. Details of the event will be forthcoming.

Lastly but of the most significance is a request to consider becoming a point person for information or Unit Rep. There will be an informational and strategic planning luncheon at Café Bello in Bayonne shortly (see page 4) come out to hear about us. We want you to know we are working continually on all issues you bring forth.

Wishing a happy and healthy holiday to all.

In Unity,

Nicole Mankowski RNC

Vice President

Local 5186

Our Door is Open

Our door is open to you all on the third Tuesday of each month. Come on over to Christ Hospital School of Nursing campus. Use your ID swipe, enter and go to the left stairwell near the Library. Up to 4th level, Buzz in at School of Radiology; go around corner to left to room #86.

Meet and share ideas, concerns, get updates and material you might have missed. If privacy is needed call ahead to schedule time please. You can do this with any officer or chairperson.

Hours are flexible at this time until we can evaluate best times to serve our members.

Hope to see you.

Local 5186

Executive Board

Ban on Mandatory Overtime

The fact that healthcare facilities are requiring nurses and other health professionals to work long, unexpected hours of overtime is one of the reasons behind the current shortage of nurses and other health workers. The practice is also taking its toll on the quality of patient care.

A 2004 study revealed that nurses generally worked longer than scheduled and that approximately 40 percent of the work shifts they logged exceeded 12 hours. The risks of making an error significantly increased when work shifts were longer than 12 hours, when nurses worked overtime, or when they worked more than 40 hours per week.

Many local unions have negotiated contract language limiting the practice of mandatory overtime. At the federal level, the union has been working with legislators on a proposal that would require facilities receiving Medicare funding to stop mandating overtime. At the state level, many legislatures have passed bills or are considering legislation to ban mandatory overtime for health professionals.

Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE), and other unions and organizations worked for nearly three years to pass the bill in New Jersey. The path to the passage of the bill began in the fall of 1998 when Patients First, a coalition of healthcare unions and consumer groups, developed a legislative package that covered issues such as mandatory overtime and needlestick safety. The coalition introduced a mandatory overtime bill in 1999, but it did not begin to move through the New Jersey Legislature until a year later. The bipartisan bill passed both houses of the Legislature in 2000, but was conditionally vetoed by Gov. Christine Todd Whitman.

The new bill was reintroduced in 2001, and by the fall, it had passed both houses of the Legislature. The bill became law one year from the date it was signed, a compromise that helped to remove the initial opposition the bill faced from the New Jersey Hospital Association. The New Jersey law is the toughest in the nation because it sets a maximum 40-hour workweek in hospitals and nursing homes for all health professionals who deliver patient care. Mandatory overtime would only be used in "unforeseen emergent circumstances" or an emergency situation, which is defined as "an unpredicted or unavoidable occurrence at unscheduled intervals relating to healthcare delivery."

The above is reprint from the AFT, here in New Jersey, we do have protection from mandatory overtime, and there are guidelines and penalties to regulate its use. Recently there was an issue in the hospital concerning a nurse needing clarification of the law. If you need or want information concerning this subject, or another work related issue contact a Union Representative.

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