HPAE Local 5089 at University of Medicine & Dentistry (RNs)

Read news articles on the Governor Christie plans for UMDNJ Read

The governor has his say on the future of UMDNJ. Is Newark really any safer? And our conversation with the new Attorney General – what are his priorities? Read the more

January 26, 2012

HPAE, Community Groups Demand Governor Put Patients First and Protect University Hospital
January 25, 2012

HPAE is part of a broad coalition calling on Governor Christie to weigh the impact on public health and patient care in enacting the UMDNJ Advisory Committee's final recommendations.
Read the Statement Issued by HPAE and other Groups


Cunningham Statement on UMDNJ Committee Report
January 25, 2012
TRENTON -- Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham (D-Hudson), Chairwoman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, released the following statement today in response to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Advisory Committee report:
Read more


Governor's UMDNJ Merger Committee Issues Their Final Report
January 25, 2012

At a press conference held today, Governor Christie announced the findings of a final report issued by an Advisory Committee on the status of UMDNJ. An interim report was issued September 20, 2011.

Key findings of the report and remarks from the press conference are:

1. The State will maintain ownership of University Hospital, but there will be a public/private partnership in which the hospital will be managed by a private entity.

2. The findings of the Interim Report, which called for the transfor of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the Cancer Institute, and the School of Public Health to Rutgers University, were reaffirmed.

3. The remaining schools and entities of UMDNJ - including the New Jersey Medical School, the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey and University Behavioral Health Care - will become parts of a "New Jersey Health Sciences University" based in Newark, NJ.

4. There will be a consolidation of Rutgers University in Camden under the banner of Rowan University--all RU Camden assets will go to Rowan.

5. The Governor said the costs of these changes will be absorbed by the universities, but he believes they will be revenue neutral.

6. Regarding the workforce, the Governor stated, "We aren't eliminating anything, we are reorganizing--it is up to management in dealing with the workforce."

7. Governor Christie has not decided whether he will accomplish these changes by Executive Order or whether they will require legislation. He clearly stated he wants the mergers and reorganization to occur this year.

Read the Final Report
View Governor Christie's Statement at the Press Conference


Applications for Essex Labor Council Scholarships Now Available
December 2, 2011

Applications for the Essex-West Hudson Labor Council (AFL-CIO) scholarships are now available. To receive an award the recipient must be a high school senior and accepted at an accredited college. To be eligible for the award, the recipient must be the child or spouse of a member of a local union affiliated with the council.

Access and Print Out the Scholarship Application


Members Vote to Ratify Tentative Agreement!
November 29, 2011

HPAE Local 5089 members overwhelmingly voted to approve the tentative agreement by a margin of 89%.

The contract will be in effect through September 30, 2014 after it is presented by management to UMDNJ’s Board of Trustees.

Click here for a summary of the agreement. In the coming months, new contracts will be printed and distributed to members at their various worksites. If you have further questions contact a Union officer.

We have a lot of work ahead of us to enforce the new contract and to respond to Governor Christie’s current attempt to dismantle UMDNJ. Do your part! You can help by becoming a Union Rep or Unit Captain for your department so that information reaches every one of our members.


Essex County Politicians Demand that UMDNJ, University Hospital Stay in Newark
November 18, 2011

At a press conference today, Newark Mayor Coorey Booker, Essex County Executive Joe Di'Vincenzo, and other Essex County politicians demanded that UMDNJ and University Hospital stay in Newark. They put forward a statement of principles to guide any future reorganization of UMDNJ.
Read an Article on the Press Conference
Read the Principles


State Labor Board Issues Complaint Against UMDNJ Over Creation of ".9" Positions
November 17, 2011

The New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) has issued a complaint against UMDNJ for unilaterally creating part-time ".9" RN positions (3, 12 hour shifts a week) without negotiations with Local 5089 over the terms and conditions of this position.


Marathon Negotiations with UMDNJ Leads to a Tentative Agreement - Ratification Meetings Set
November 11, 2011

A marathon negotiations session that started on November 2, and ended at 7:00 am on November 3, 2011 led to a tentative agreement for a contract. The tentative contract agreement reached with UMDNJ achieved several important goals:

Wages: We finally got management to go back on their decision to freeze the steps and secured across the board increases for all titles.

Job Security: We significantly improved our contract language to provide greater job security, seniority, layoff and bumping rights.

No Concessions: Despite management proposals to cut shift differentials and staffing ratios, we came to an agreement with no major givebacks.

Most importantly, we were able to lock in a contract at a time when Governor Christie is trying to dismantle UMDNJ.We will insist on preserving the standards in our new contract during any reorganization.

Please plan to attend one of the meetings listed below to discuss and vote on the tentative agreement. A detailed summary will be provided at the meeting and is available on our web site. Read the Summary of the Agreement

Wednesday, November 9
University Hospital H-342
Meetings were held throughout the day for the day, evening, and night shift RNs.

Friday, November 11
UBHC, Piscataway, Room D-201
7 - 9:30 am, 12 - 1 pm, 1 - 2 pm, 2:30 - 4:30 pm, 5 - 7 pm

Monday, November 14
CINJ, New Brunswick, Auditorium A
7 - 9 am, 12 - 1 pm, 1 -2 pm, 2:30 - 4:30 pm
5 - 7 pm (at HPAE, New Brunswick, 57 Paterson Street)

Tuesday, November 15
151 Centennial, Piscataway, Training Room C
12 - 1 pm, 1 - 2 pm
100 Metroplex, Edison, Staff Lounge
12 - 1 pm
Northern State Prison
2:30-3:30 pm

Wednesday, November 16
UDP, Stratford, Room 3013
12 - 1 pm, 1 -2 pm, 5 -7 pm (5:00 pm meeting is in AC 276)
UBHC, Cherry Hill, Conference Room
1:15 - 2:15 pm
Edna Mahon Correctional Facility
2:15-3:00 pm

Thursday, November 17
RWJMS, Piscataway, Dean's Conference Room
11 am - 1:30 pm
South Woods State Prison
2:15-3:00 pm

Friday, November 18
WFD, Somerset, Family Medicine Conference Room
12 - 1 pm

Monday, November 21
UBHC, Monmouth Junction, Room 41
12 - 1 pm

Tuesday, November 22
Liberty Plaza, New Brunswick, Training Room A
11:30 am - 1 pm, 1 - 2 pm
5 - 7 pm (at HPAE, New Brunswick, 57 Paterson St)

Only full members are eligible to attend ratification meetings and vote on the tentative agreement.


Local 5089 Officer Elections
November 11, 2011

Officer elections are coming! A Nominations and Elections committee has been appointed and soon you will be receiving a nomination form. Consider becoming involved in the local by running for an open position or nominating a colleague. All officer positions are up for nomination and election; the job description for each position are below.If you have questions, contact a Nominations and Elections committee member:
Jeannette Lee ladylee8_2000@yahoo.com
Ernestine Greene greenee93@yahoo.com
Patricia Kelley kellypa@umdnj.edu

The following positions are up for election:

• President
• 5 Vice Presidents
• Treasurer
• Secretary

The President leads the local by participating as an active voice in State and National initiatives; structuring the Local Executive Board to function as a team; leading the Local to address local issues by setting goals, implementing plans, and overseeing committees; assuring an effective internal organizing and communication plan; and assuring the contract is upheld at all times.

The 5 Vice Presidents assist the President in all job duties and are responsible for any other specific duties as determined by the Local Executive Board.

One VP is responsible for New Brunswick, Piscataway, and Stratford/Camden campuses, the Department of Corrections, and other University sites.
One VP is responsible for the Critical Care, and ER areas of University Hospital.
One VP is responsible for the Med-Surg areas of University Hospital. (This is a new position created by the recent Constitution & By-law changes.)
One VP is responsible for the Peri-operative and DOC SDS areas of University Hospital.
One VP is responsible for the Family Health Services and Clinic areas of University Hospital.

The Secretary is an active participant of the Local Executive Board and is responsible for recording and maintaining minutes all union meetings and any communications as determined by the Local Executive Board.

The Treasurer is an active participant of the Local Executive Board and is responsible to follow all established policies and guidelines relative to meeting the fiscal requirements of the Local and the State.

Look for a nomination form in the mail soon and then a ballot to vote for the candidates. Nominate someone and vote. Be involved!


Tentative Contract Agreement Reached
November 3, 2011

At 7 am on November 3rd, a tentative agreement was reached with UMDNJ for the 5089 RN contract. The terms will be presented in full detail to every member at ratification meetings which will be scheduled in the near future. Securing the wage schedule steps and preventing major givebacks were a priority that the committee achieved. The terms are subject to the membership vote. Thank you.


HPAE, Other UMDNJ Union Leaders Meet with Corey Booker
November 3, 2011

Tom Murphy, Co-President of HPAE Local 5094, and other UMDNJ union leaders met with Newark Mayor Corey Booker yesterday to discuss the merger or reorganization of UMDNJ. Specifically, the union leaders expressed concerns that a merger could lead to a reduction or elimination of services to the community, the loss of jobs, and the elimination of collective bargaining rights. Mayor Booker agreed that high quality services to the community and educational opportunities must be maintained.

Also representing HPAE at the meeting were Jean Pierce and Adrien Doumlin-Smith.

Pictured below, Mayor Booker with HPAE and other UMD Union Leaders:

Negotiations Update: Progress Made

On Tuesday, October 25, 2011, the negotiating committee met with management for the second time in an effort to settle our contract.

The negotiating committee began the session by signing off on tentative agreements made on October 20, 2011. These agreements include probation language for new and transferred nurses and information sent to the Union. The Union and management agreed on language in principle as it relates to Jury Duty and Returning from Leave. We anticipate signing tentative agreements on these articles soon.

The committee presented to management counter proposals regarding mandatory training programs, performance evaluations and disciplines.

We worked extensively on contract language that would allow seniority to be the predominant factor in the event of a layoff and recall. The committee has not secured an agreement from management, but we are determined to secure language that protects seniority and job security in a very uncertain time at UMDNJ.

The Union submitted a revised wage proposal. This proposal includes a request for a signing bonus in 2011, gradual step increases throughout the life of the contract, and lump sum payments for our members who are at the top of the step scale. We continue to await management’s counter wage proposal on CRNAs, APNs, & Case Managers.

Our Committee remains united in our belief that there should be no give backs in this contract. Therefore, we were unable to accept management’s proposal that would limit the accrual of Float Holidays.

We were unable to conclude negotiations on Tuesday. We are scheduled to resume negotiations on November 2. We sincerely believe that if management is willing, we can close the gaps between management’s proposals and our proposals and have a tentative agreement on November

HPAE Local 5089 Negotiations Update

On Thursday, October 20, 2011, our negotiation committee met with management in an effort to settle our contract.

Management began the session with a new counter proposal for wages. Their latest response included more money than their previous proposal from August 30. For the first time during these negotiations, management has indicated a willingness to include step movements.

The Union will submit a revised wage proposal prior to the next session. Our goal is get everyone on Scale B to the correct step based on their experience and to get an equivalent increase for members not on Scale B.

Earlier this year, management proposed eliminating all of the staffing ratios that we worked years to achieve. During our latest negotiations, they agreed to withdraw that proposal thus we were able to stop a major concession on staffing ratios.

We agreed on language that would clarify probation for new employees and changes regarding the number of Union officers and Reps the University will recognize— reflecting the changes in the Union By-laws previously voted on by the membership.

With the impending merger of RWJMS with Rutgers University and the potential privatization of University Hospital there is a new urgency to settle the contract in order to protect our current benefits and working conditions.

Negotiations are scheduled again for Tuesday, October 25, 2011. The latest movement by management at the bargaining table leads us to believe that we can reach a tentative agreement soon.

Hundreds pack UMDNJ Advisory Committee hearing. Questions about future of the University remain unanswered.

Posted October 18, 2011

On Thursday, October 13, in a massive outpouring of support, over 300 UMDNJ employees, union members, students, elected officials and concerned community members attended a public hearing in Newark about the future of the University.

Despite public comment and questions from over 40 people, the Advisory Committee offered no new answers or details about the Governor’s plans to dismantle UMDNJ or the possible privatization of University Hospital.

A number of HPAE members and leaders addressed the committee including, HPAE Local 5094 Co-President, Tom Murphy, who presented the Committee with a petition of over 2,000 UMDNJ nurses and professionals expressing our concern about the merger.

HPAE members and staff are meeting with elected officials and community leaders to fight for the services we provide and to protect our contract and our jobs.

Couldn’t attend the hearing?

If you couldn’t attend the hearing, you can still make your voice heard. Submit comments through email at publiccomment@gov.state.nj.us. Tell the Committee: Stop the rush to a merger! Maintain the services we provide! Guarantee a voice for the community and employees in the process!

HPAE Members Speak Out

Posted October 18, 2011

Elmer Daniels RN, Case Manager, UH-Newark
“When you start thinking about University Hospital and the School of Medicine, let’s really stop looking at a snapshot; let’s look at the whole picture. Let’s look at what we’ve already done to elevate these standards and how we can move forward to improve them. Which we will, we’re the University – THE University.”
Click here to watch video

Tom Murphy, Research Teaching Specialist, NJMS-Newark
“I often wondered why they looked at what would make Rutgers great but why they didn’t look at what would make UMDNJ great… How are you going to pay for it? What I hear is [by] taking the existing budgets of already strapped colleges to pay the enormous cost of the merger.”
Click here to watch video

Kathleen Eannone RN, Staff Nurse, UBHC-Piscataway
The nurses and the staff in New Brunswick and Piscataway want to know when they [the Advisory Committee] are coming to meet us in New Brunswick.”
Click here to watch video

Diana Crowder, Industrial Hygienist, EOHS-Newark
I have concerns that so much of the planning to dismantle UMDNJ is being done behind closed doors… What review has this committee done… in order to assess the financial impact the dismantling of UMDNJ will have on services, jobs and on business in this community?”
Click here to watch video

Diane De Santis, Program Assistant, Ophthalmology, NJMS -Newark
“I am in the ironic position of being a parent of a Rutgers-Newark student. Does that mean I’m going to pay a tuition increase? ... Am I going to have to pay as a parent to fund a University take-over of where I work?”
Click here to watch video

Hundreds gather in hearing on UMNDJ merger with Rutgers to speak out against proposed plan

Governor Christie's UMDNJ Announcement
Posted September 20, 2011

Today, Governor Christie announced that he will be merging Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (including the Cancer Institute of New Jersey) and the School of Public Health with Rutgers University through an executive order. The Governor indicated that no decisions about the future of University Hospital and the Newark Campus have been made yet pending the recommendation of the UMDNJ Advisory Committee.

HPAE is researching and analyzing these developments both in terms of their legality and the effect they could have on our members. Most immediately HPAE is working to ensure that our jobs, wages, benefits and seniority are protected.

We will keep you up to date on any new developments.
Click here to read the UMDNJ Interim Report

Christie gives preliminary OK to Rutgers, UMDNJ med school merger

Braun: UMDNJ and Barnabas Health negotiating takeover of University Hospital

Negotiations Update: UMDNJ Wage Proposal on the Table
September 2, 2011

On Tuesday, August 30, our union bargaining committee met with management to continue negotiations for a new contract. After submitting our wage proposal to management in June, the University responded with a counter wage proposal.

UMDNJ proposed a 1% across the board increase for all bargaining unit members on July 1, 2012 and another 1% across the board increase on July 1, 2013. Their proposal does not include any retroactive increases for previous contract years. Management indicated their offer was an initial wage proposal and we believe it is not their bottom line.

Our committee countered with a new proposal that would bring every nurse on Scale B to the correct step during the span of the next contract. Members that were frozen on the steps in 2008 would move six steps between the fall of 2011 and the spring of 2014. (The average step increase on Scale B is 1.5%). We indicated to management that members with titles not on Scale B must receive an equivalent increase but a formal proposal has not been submitted yet.

We are scheduling another negotiating meeting later this month. Other contract issues such as on-call, layoff and various economic issues still remain on the table. However, now that there is movement on the wages, we are confident that we are finally in a better position to be able to settle the contract.


How Will Public Employees Be Affected By the New Health and Pension Benefits Law?
Posted June 28, 2011
Updated June 30, 2011

On June 28, 2011, Governor Christie signed into law the health and pension benefits legislation just passed by the State Assembly and Senate. Below is a summary of how the changes will affect HPAE members at UMDNJ.

Click here for a summary of the Health and Pension Benefits Law


If you had the chance, wouldn’t you speak up for Nurses in our hospitals?
Posted June 26, 2011

Bill Owen Jr., President of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), has the chance to make a difference for nurses and patients. But he hasn’t taken it.

We are the nurses at UMDNJ. For over three years, we have been negotiating with the University for a contract that would keep qualified nurses at your bedside and maintain the quality of care we should expect from one of the state’s leading Trauma Centers. Bill Owen has a contract. We deserve one too.

Click here to email Bill Owen and tell him: “Enough is enough!” UMDNJ’s nurses deserve a fair contract.

HPAE Local 5089 Demand to See President Owen
Posted June 23, 2011

University Hospital has not staffed our units adequately to care for our patients, and after four years, UMDNJ still refuses to negotiate in good faith to settle our contract. At the same time, legislation is working its way through the NJ Legislature that would force us to pay 5% – 10% of our wages towards increased health care and pension contributions. If we can reach a settlement with UMDNJ before June 30, that legislation would not impact us until the expiration of a new contract.

We have stressed to management the urgency of settling the contract by the end of the month. Instead, Labor Relations told us before negotiations last Wednesday that they have not been authorized to make a wage proposal to our Union.

In response, over 30 members of our union marched on President Owen’s office to demand that he negotiate with us and settle our contract. President Owen did not come out to meet with us. After we began chanting his name and clapping, his Chief of Staff, James Rowan came to speak with us. He told us he was not knowledgeable or responsible for the negotiations and President Owen could not speak with us. Click here to watch the video.

We will continue to demand President Owen settle this contract. This is a critical moment to get involved. Don’t wait for the union to do something for you – YOU ARE THE UNION.

There will be membership meetings with further updates on Thursday, June 24 at midnight in UH 342/349 and Friday, June 25th in UH 342/349 at 6 am, 3:30 pm and 6 pm.

Violence Prevention Letter

Click here to read.

RNs Say: "We've Had Enough: Settle the Contract Now!"
June 15, 2011

After being informed by Labor Relations representatives earlier in the morning that UMDNJ had nothing to offer Local 5089 member, the Negotiations Committee and twenty five other RNs went up to President Owen's office to demand an answer. His chief of staff gave us the same answer we've had for over two years - "it's not our responsibility". We made it clear that response is not acceptable and we will do what is necessary to settle the contract.

Below are videos and photos from our trip, during lunch time, to President Owen's office:

Negotiations Update
Posted May 27, 2011

On Thursday, May 26th, HPAE Local 5089 went into negotiations with UMDNJ management. Our goal was to push for a discussion of economics in an attempt to close the contract by June 30--before any possible legislative changes to the state health benefits plan. Up until now, management has been refusing to discuss economics saying they do not have approval to make an economic proposal.

At each session, the union has reiterated the importance of an economic settlement for the two wage re-opener years as well as the current contract. We made a comprehensive economic proposal seeking to make the bargaining unit whole in terms of wage increases from the wage re-opener and the current contract, as well as bringing members back to their appropriate steps.

Management’s response was they had no authority to make an economic proposal, but if they had to respond at this time they would offer zero percent wage increases. Management promised to take the union’s proposal up the chain of command and respond to the union in a timely manner. The next Negotiations date is scheduled for June 15th. The union repeated the need to close the contracts by June 30.

Thank you to all the members who came out to the Negotiations to show us support. We are asking you again to mobilize for the June 15th session. The time period from now until June 30 is a critical time for Local 5089 – now is the time to stand up and step out.

Emergency Alert! Come to Negotiations May 26
Posted May 22, 2011

After four long years without pay raises or step increases, negotiations have reached a critical point.  The Local Executive Board is asking all Local 5089 members to join us at Negotiations on Thursday, May 26th at 12 noon in Room 301, Bergen Bldg, 65 Bergen St.

This is an important moment because political maneuvering in Trenton could result in the cost of public sector workers health insurance costs escalating to 30% of the cost of insurance on July 1st if we still have an open contract.  This could mean an increase to $5,000 in health insurance for the average Local 5089 member.  Based on the reality of this anti-union political environment, Local 5089 believes it is critical to close our contract NOW.
 


Management has been unwilling to discuss economic proposals with us but we have continued to press for pay increases and a reestablishment of our step increases.  At negotiations this coming Thursday, Local 5089 will be making an economic proposal and asking management to close the contract.


Please come out on Thursday, May 26th at 12 noon in a show of support for maintaining a well paid, professional nursing workforce at UMDNJ.

HPAE United@UMDNJ: Have You Signed The Petition?
Posted May 24, 2011

Politicians are rapidly moving to dismantle UMDNJ and merge various units with other universities and organizations. The proposed restructuring can potentially affect every employee of UMDNJ, from every school and Unit.

If we stand together, we have an opportunity to shape the outcome.

We want a better UMDNJ. Our three HPAE Unions at UMDNJ have come together to launch HPAE United@UMDNJ—an extensive political action campaign to demand that those elected officials who will decide the fate of UMDNJ commit to the following principles:

1. UMDNJ's services must be maintained
2. The process must be transparent and include input from employees
3. Working families should not bear an additional tax burden
4. University Hospital should remain a public institution
5. Collective bargaining must be guaranteed
6. Our stalled negotiations must be resolved

Already over 1,000 of our co-workers have signed a petition supporting these goals. Can you help us reach 2,000?

Governor Christie’s plan is to divide us – our principles can unite us.

Click here to download the petition and circulate it to your co-workers.

Click here to read the principles and for answers to some frequently asked questions about the petition.


HPAE Leaders Meet in Response to Crisis at UMDNJ: Campaign to Save Community Services and Jobs Begins
April 21, 2011

On Tuesday, April 19, leaders from all three HPAE local unions at UMDNJ - Local 5089 (RNs), Local 5094 (non-nursing professional staff), and Local 5135 (UCHC RNs) - met to launch a new campaign in the face of the proposed restructuring of UMDNJ, the general assault on public employees, and management's refusal to bargain in good faith.

The leaders agreed on a set of principles for the campaign and to support a petition drive with the goal of getting at least 2000 HPAE members to endorse these principles.

Members will be contacted next week regarding the campaign and the petition.

Read a Summary of the Leadership Meeting

Read the Principles


Update: Petition and Townhall Meeting
April 21, 2011

On March 15th, Local 5089 presented 500 membership signatures on a "no-confidence in nursing administration" pettition to the Board Trustees. What's happened since then?
Read More


Senator Rice to President Owen: Respond to the Nurses' Concerns
April 14, 2011

In a letter to UMDNJ President William Owen, State Senator Ron Rice identified key concerns that have been raised by nurses at University Hospital and urged President Owen to "expeditiously" respond to these concerns.
Read More


Merger Concerns
April 7, 2011

This Monday, April 4, Governor Christie appointed five people to the UMDNJ Advisory Committee. This committee will make recommendations by September 1st on whether some or all of the units of UMDNJ should be merged or taken over by Rutgers and other universities.

HPAE has serious concerns about the so-called merger and the process for deciding whether it should happen:

1. None of the individuals appointed to the committee are front-line staff who provide patient care, teach students, or do research – and yet these are the basic missions of UMDNJ. At the same time, labor organizations representing employees have been cut out of the process. Our voices need to be heard directly.
2. A merger or reorganization of UMDNJ may have a significant effect on the quality and scope of services currently provided by UMDNJ to the community, especially to our poorest and most vulnerable citizens.
3. A merger or reorganization of UMDNJ may cause additional layoffs and further reduce the compensation of UMDNJ staff. We have not received any salary increases in almost four years!

With help from our national union, the American Federation of Teachers, HPAE is researching all aspects of this process. We are also discussing our concerns with key political and community leaders. We will do whatever it takes to ensure that the interests and needs of the community, our patients, and our members are front and center.

We will keep you updated with any new developments.

If you would like to get involved in developing a strong union response, please click here to pledge your support.

Get Involved! Sign the "I'll be There" Pledge
We are facing an unprecedented attack at UMDNJ. Gov Christie is blaming public workers for the economic crisis caused by Wall Street. Now he wants to increase the cost of our healthcare and break up UMDNJ—threatening our jobs and the services we provide. We have the power to fight back. Get involved!

Click here to sign the pledge and find out what you can do to protect your job, wages and benefits.

March and Rally for "Jobs, Peace, Equality and Justice"
April 4, 2011

On Monday, April 4, Come celebrate Dr. King’s Legacy with HPAE Local 5089 as we March and Rally for “Jobs, Peace, Equality and Justice" in downtown Newark.

Meet at the corner of Broad and Market at 5:30 pm. The rally will be followed by an event at Essex Community College featuring Benjamin Jealous, President of the NAACP.

Forty-three years ago, on April 4, 1968 Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis, TN. He was there to support striking sanitation workers in their fight for collective bargaining rights.

In 2011, those same collective bargaining rights are under attack in WI, OH, MO, NH and right here in NJ. If Dr. King were alive today, he’d be standing up for the collective bargaining rights of public workers.

We call on activists and supporters to join us and honor Dr. King’s legacy this April 4th as part of the continuing struggle for human rights and human dignity for all.

April 4 is a day of solidarity with unions, people of faith, civil and human rights activists, students and other progressive activists across the country. Visit www.we-r-1.org for more information. The rally in Newark is sponsored by the Communication Workers of America Local 1037 and the People's Organization for Progress.

Nurses Rally a Great Success
March 15, 2011

In an impressive show of force, 250 members of HPAE Local 5089 and other union members from UMDNJ rallied in front of the hospital demanding a new Nursing Administration. The spirited group waved pennants and chanted “Respect” before marching to the Board of Trustees meeting to deliver petitions signed by over 500 Registered Nurses. The petition declared a vote of ‘No Confidence’ in UMDNJ’s top Nursing Administrators: Robin Wittenstein, UH CEO, Theresa Rejrat, Vice President of Patient Care Services, and Judy Colorado, Director of Nursing Systems. Rally participants presented the ‘No Confidence’ petitions to Dr. Kevin Barry (Chairman) and the Board of Trustees of UMDNJ.

“We understand the severity of this action and do not enter into it lightly.” said Elmer Daniels, President of Local 5089, “We love our work, we love our patients and the Newark community and we are deeply committed to UMDNJ.” Margaret Mantz from G-Blue spoke about the negative patient impact of chaotic short staffing and Cynthia McDougall addressed the increased costs related to the reorganizations and the harmful impact of forcing senior nurses into part-time status. Registered Nurses signing the petition asked to be part of the process of creating a better environment for the nurses at UMDNJ, with nursing leadership capable of running the hospital safely and effectively. Dr. Kevin Barry, Chairman of the Board, responded to the contingent from HPAE Local 5089 by saying that the Board took the concerns of the nurses very seriously and would conduct an investigation.

HPAE Local Leaders at the February 25th Rally in Trenton in Support of Public Workers
Over twenty HPAE members from UMDNJ attended the rally, along with thousands over union members and supporters. Below are comments from Local 5089 President Elmer Daniels, Local 5089 Grievance Chair Banita Herndon, and Local 5094 Co-President Tom Murphy.

HPAE Local 5089 Contract Survey: Tell us what you think

Contract negotiations with UMDNJ are underway. Winning a strong contract doesn't just happen at the bargaining table. It takes the effort and participation of all of us to show that we are united for a fair contract and are willing to fight to protect our rights and benefits. This survey is your opportunity to have your opinion heard during the process.

Click here to take the survey.

Negotiations Update - February 8, 2011
Local 5089 had its second bargaining session with UMDNJ.
Read More

HPAE Testimony Regarding Higher Ed Taskforce Report, UMDNJ's Future - February 3, 2011
Governor Christie's Higher Education Taskforce recommended that some divisions of UMDNJ, including the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, should become part of Rutgers University. Jean Pierce, an HPAE Public Policy staffperson, gave testimony to the Assembly's Higher Education Committee on our approach to this issue. She emphasized the need to maintain medical services to the community and for staff to have direct input into the decision about UMDNJ's future.
Read More

Negotiations Update - January 13, 2011
We resumed negotiations for a successor contract on January 11th. Our contract with UMDNJ expired June 30, 2010, but the terms and conditions of the contract remain in effect. At the bargaining session this week, we presented a number of proposals on key non-economic issues, including ensuring full-time status for RNs who work 36 hours per week and strengthening contract language on job security.
Read More

Snow Day/State of Emergency

We are outraged by UMDNJ's handling of the recent blizzard and management's disrespect for the nurses.

The University blatantly ignored their own Inclement Weather Policy and refused to appropriately compensate those employees who were mandated to stay at work or required to come to work during the blizzard and State of Emergency. They've salary deleted staff and even threatened to terminate employees who were unable to report to work due the conditions during the storm. Past practice has always allowed nurses to utilize benefit time rather than be salary deleted.

We have already demanded management correct this situation and we are preparing a Class Action grievance on behalf of all of our members. We are also filing an Unfair Practice Charge against the University for substantially revising the inclement weather policy without notifying the union and negotiating.

We need your help. Click here to complete a short questionnaire to help us document our grievances.

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HPAE Responds to Kean Commission Report on Higher Education and Christie's Executive Orders
January 5, 2011
On January 4, 2011, the Kean Commission Report on Higher Education in New Jersey was released. The report includes a number of recommendations that may have a significant impact on HPAE and other union members at UMDNJ. We are concerned that neither the workforce nor their unions have provided input on the future direction of higher education in New Jersey. HPAE will be developing a plan and strategy to make sure that our voice is heard.

A full copy of the commission's report, as well as the executive orders is available. Read More

Local Executive Board Explains Change in HPAE Dues and Need for a Strong Membership
December 15, 2010
In a letter to all Local 5089 members, the Local Executive Board provides the facts about the restructured HPAE dues system and points out some important victories we've attained. As we engage in contract negotiations with UMDNJ, it's essential that members are strongly united.
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Senators Rice and Weinberg Attend December 15, 2010 Membership Meeting
December 15, 2010
On December 15, 2010, Local 5089 held a membership meeting in Newark that included Senator Loretta Weinberg of the 37th Legislative District (Bergen County), Senator Ron Rice of the 28th Legislative District (Essex County) and Essex County Freeholder Rufus Johnson. Senators Weinberg and Rice have consistently championed legislation that supports a health professionals’ ability to provide quality safe patient care. For more than two hours, they heard directly from members on the issues and challenges we face each day as we strive to provide safe and quality health care.

Moderated by Joy Anderson, the chair of the Local 5089 Committee on Political Education (COPE), the meeting provided an opportunity for nurses from various units to speak to the challenges faced at University Hospital. Banita Herndon spoke first on the problems facing RNs in the Emergency Department, such as the loss of physicians, inadequate staffing ratios, excessive overtime and divisive measures imposed by management hindering teamwork and diminishing morale. Following Banita was Cynthia McDougal who spoke about the administration’s re-organization of the Ambulatory Care Unit and the replacement of RNs with Medical Technicians. The legislators were asked to hold hearings to examine the impact of using non-professional Medical Technicians on the delivery of quality care to our patients. Other members addressed concerns regarding staffing, cutbacks in government funding, and layoffs at University Hospital.

Local 5089 members were encouraged by the responses of Senators Weinberg and Rice, and will continue to reach out to state legislators to advocate for quality patient care and professional working conditions.

RNs WIN MAJOR VICTORY IN ARBITRATION CASE REGARDING UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
December 5, 2010
An arbitrator has ruled that UMDNJ must provide payment to every nurse who was eligible for a uniform allowance for the last three years!
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Contract Negotiations Update
November 29, 2010
We are scheduled to meet with Labor Relations to continue negotiations for the new contract on January 11, 2011. We are still awaiting additional dates from Labor Relations and we have requested additional information as required by the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act to assist us in our current negotiations. We will continue to keep you informed with the progress of negotiations.

The Local 5089 Negotiations Committee met with UMDNJ representatives October 14 to restart contract negotiations.
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FHS & H-Blue
October 2010

All nurses who have been affected by the most recent re-organization have been notified of their positions, effective October 3, 2010. A panel of nurses involved in the re-organization process had an opportunity to meet with Chief Nursing Officer, Teresa Rejrat, and Labor Relations to discuss the re-organization process. We still have several grievances regarding the reorganization, including the conversion of 1.0 positions to 0.9 and 0.6 positions.

For questions or concerns please contact Cynthia McDougall regarding the FHS reorganization at 973-699-4660, Banita Herndon regarding the H-Blue reorganization at 973-699-4089, or Chris Whalen, HPAE Organizer, at 201-262-5005 Ext 140.

STATE AGENCY ISSUES COMPLAINT AGAINST UMDNJ
August 25, 2010

On Monday, August 23, 2010, the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) issued a Complaint and Notice of Hearing against UMDNJ in response to our Unfair Practice Charge that the University has failed to bargain in good faith.

After two years of wage "re-opener" negotiations between the Union and the University, this is a strong acknowledgement on the part of PERC of the merit of our charges that UMDNJ's bargaining behavior has violated the NJ Employer-Employee Relations Act.

A hearing has been set for September 21, 2010 at the PERC Office in Newark


HPAE 5089: FHS RE-ORG IS ON HOLD!
August 20, 2010

We received notice from HR this afternoon that the reorganization of Family Health Services is on hold until further notice. Nurses that were to be reorganized will remain on their units and will be put back on the posted schedule. We are told the Nurse Managers will contact affected staff this afternoon and over the weekend with official notification.

This is an acknowledgment of the merits of our grievances and the culmination of your efforts and unity.


Membership Meeting & Education Day RESCHEDULED
August 20, 2010
The membership meeting & education day scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, August 21, has been postponed. Please check back here for the rescheduled date. Sorry for any inconvenience.


Sign the support petition for FHS members
August 12, 2010
Family Health Services is currently being reorganized - but it's unclear how this will affect staffing, quality of care, our patients, and our livelihoods. If you're also concerned about this, sign & print this petition to demand that Nursing Administration meet with us to discuss alternatives to this disruptive reorganization. Click here to read more and to download the petition to pass along to co-workers.

If you're unable to view the file by clicking the link above, you can also download the petition here.

FHS Reorganization Membership Meeting
Wednesday, August 11, 2010

UH, H-Yellow - Conference Room 342

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
We have been continuing to respond to the reorganization in Family Health Services. We need the support of all the members to demand Nursing Administration meet with us to discuss alternatives that are less disruptive to FHS and ensure the greatest continuity of care. We will have a petition available to sign at the meeting and will deliver it when we get a majority of signatures.

We submitted an official demand to bargain over the reorganization and the creation of the .9 position. We plan to discuss proposals at our upcoming membership meeting to come to some consensus regarding our positions.

We are drafting a class action grievance over management's unilateral creation of the .9 position without negotiating with the union first. We also plan to grieve the premise of the reorganization, we believe it is in fact a reduction in staff due to economic reasons. Affected staff should be allowed to exercise full layoff rights including the ability to bump a less senior nurse in a position in which they are qualified.

It has also come to our attention that members were not allowed to fill certain vacancies in units that are part of our regular float district. It is outrageous that we should be denied these opportunities now. Any member who feels they were inappropriately denied the ability to fill a particular vacancy should contact a union officer or rep to provide specific information so that we may address the issue.

Please make every effort to attend.

Family Health Services Reorganization Update
August 03, 2010

After our membership meeting on Wednesday, we meet with Labor Relations again on Thursday afternoon to address the concerns you raised about the FHS reorganization.

There were some errors in seniority that would have caused some RNs to be inappropriately reorganized. We brought these to management's attention and they will be corrected. We also requested that management allow a union rep to be present when members meet with the HR Generalist. Because they are not legally or contractually obligated, they do not seem willing to allow it.

Based on the recommendations from our membership meeting, we discussed some proposals that would have reduced the number of impacted RNs. Primarily, we advocated that less Full-time positions be eliminated and no new .9 or .6 positions be created. This plan would only impact 11 RNs as opposed to the current plan to eliminate 29 FHS positions. We also discussed at length issues with the float pool.

Management did not agree to our proposals based on Nursing leadership's insistence on the need for the scheduling flexibility they claim the .9 and .6 positions will provide. We plan to bring our proposals directly to Nursing Administration, and at present we are awaiting confirmation of that meeting.

Continue to look back here for updates.

FHS Re-org, H-Blue Closing
July 23, 2010

UMDNJ management has given notice to our union officers that Family Health Services will undergo a reorganization in the coming weeks affecting a significant number of RNs and other staff. In addition, they have informed us that H-Blue will now be permanently closed - affecting all staff assigned to that unit.

We are told that nurses can expect to receive a letter about the reorganization early next week and meetings with HR will be set-up the following week.

We have the right to question management’s decision to reorganize and to negotiate over the impact the reorganization will have on our members.

We are requesting information about the census on the units as well as a list of impacted units and staff in order to formulate proposals to submit to management. We are committed to ensuring our contract is upheld, our rights are protected and seniority prevails during the reorganization. We are further committed to ensuring the reorganization does not create undue short staffing in the future as a result of decreased staffing.

We have scheduled a membership meeting to discuss this on Wednesday, July 28 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm in H-Yellow Room 342. All members from the impacted units should make their best effort to attend.

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