HPAE Press Release: Nurses, Healthcare Workers to Picket at Bayonne Medical Center: Contract deadline approaching
For Immediate Release Contact: Jeanne Otersen (201)280-9279
July 17, 2014
With one contract expired on May 31, and the 2nd contract due to expire on July 31, nurses and healthcare workers belonging to the Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) will hold an ‘Informational Picket’ day in front of the Bayonne Medical Center on Monday, July 21, 2014 from 2:30pm to 6:00pm.
Nurses from Christ Hospital, whose contract with ‘CarePoint Health’ expired on May 31, will join the picket line with the Bayonne healthcare workers, who are still in bargaining with hospital owners. CarePoint Health is a for-profit company that owns both hospitals, as well as Hoboken University Medical Center.
Negotiations have been contentious, with publicized threats by the owners to lock out workers, but in recent weeks negotiations have progressed. Union members said they want the public to know the contract talks are focused on patient care and staffing levels.
“In both hospitals, our members are focused on achieving a contract that includes enforceable and safe staffing levels at both hospitals; that protects continuity and quality of care for our patients; and that provides secure health and retirement policies and plans for the staff,” said Ann Twomey, president of the 12,000 member state-wide HPA, NJ’s largest union of nurses and healthcare workers. “By coming together, with the community, we are posing a challenge to a company that has put profits – more than $85 million since 2008 – before our communities.”
HPAE represents 850 staff at Bayonne and 400 RNs at Christ Hospital.
##