Clarion News and Information

Message from the President
July 2011

Tribute to a Real Leader

Last year, Liberty Health System decided to downsize from two hospitals to one. Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC) was losing millions of dollars and relied heavily on state subsidies. Though struggling, Meadowlands Hospital’s financial reports were in the black while JCMC was bleeding bright red. Liberty chose to keep JCMC and sell the other.

In December, an entity called MHA,LLC bought Meadowlands Hospital. The not-for-profit hospital would be converted to New Jersey’s 5th for-profit. To MHA’s credit, they agreed to assume the current HPAE contracts and retain all of the nurses and technicians – it was to be a “seamless transition”. Along with a few negotiated changes to benefits, the contract was extended for five years.

Local President JoAnne Dudsak received the 2011 Everyday HEROES award at the Professional Issues Conference of our national union, American Federation of Teachers, for her outstanding leadership role during that difficult time. Little did she know, the real test of her leadership was yet to come.

The honeymoon came to a halt when the hospital announced that it was firing 20 employees – some with many years seniority – for vague allegations. For example, an RN with several years of experience was told she had a bad attitude – no prior disciplines and only excellent evaluations. Then the hospital terminated unit clerks claiming that technology made them obsolete. Then they unilaterally and drastically changed the health insu­­­rance – (increasing the deductible to $10,000!). Staffing levels were reduced. Policies and procedures were not yet written, so said the new administration.

When Union President Dudsak raised concerns, asked questions and filed grievances, she was completely stonewalled. We then filed charges at the Labor Board and had meetings with the NJ State regulatory agencies. It was then that JoAnne was fired.

So after 40 years of an impeccable work record, she was fired abruptly on a trumped up charge that she “distributed union leaflets” that the employer did not like. The good news is that we reached a settlement and JoAnne has been reinstated with back pay. For that we are pleased. We are working hard to reverse the other travesties.

For-profit hospitals change the dynamic of health care. Their primary purpose is to make money – big money- for the owners. They don’t want to account to anyone. The quality of care is secondary to the profits. Cutting of staffing and safe working conditions maximize the profit. They need to be scrutinized and held accountable for the same standard as not-for-profits.

Obviously our goal is to bring a balanced perspective – protect our patients – provide safe working conditions – and require that every member be treated with the respect and concern they have rightfully earned.

So, JoAnne, this is a tribute to you for standing up for your members and for all of us.

In Solidarity,
Ann Twomey
President, HPAE

Read the Full Clarion

July/August 2011
American Red Cross: The Fight Continues
Click to download

NJ State Senate Passes Bill to Track For-Profit Hospital Funds

February 2011
To download, click here.


New Owners of Meadowlands Hospital
October 2010
To download, click here.


NJ Budget Problems Made Worse by Cuts and Veto of Millionaires Tax
June 2010
To download, click here.


HPAE Members Respond to the Crisis in Haiti
February 2010
To download, click here.


HPAE Contract Settlements
August 2009
To download, click here.


Our Message To Hospitals: Get “Back 2­­ Basics”
May 2009
To download, click here.