HPAE Local 5089 RNs Bargaining Update, May 8
HPAE met with management on Monday, May 6th for another bargaining session. Here is a breakdown of the issues we discussed:
STAFFING
At the start of negotiations, HPAE proposed to strengthen the target staffing levels for the Med/Surg departments by reducing the maximum number of patients for each registered nurse to 6 from the current rate of 10. Management presented a proposal to reduce the staffing levels to 8 for Med/Surg which represents significant movement on their part. On the other hand, management proposed to increase the target staffing levels for Critical Care to a maximum of 3 patients for each registered nurse. HPAE reminded management that the levels were recently reduced in 2014-2016 contract negotiations as well as the negative impact their proposal would have on our members’ ability to provide safe patient care.
FLOATING
Management presented a proposal that would increase the number of times a member must float to a unit within their float district from 5 to 6 times in a quarter before they would be eligible for a float differential. In addition, they proposed to move PACU to the Critical Care Float district, however when pressed as to the specifics, they were unprepared to address our concerns regarding competencies.
ECONOMICS
HPAE presented our economic proposal to management which includes 3.5% across the board increase and a step movement if eligible. In addition, we proposed an increase to the education and on-call differentials. More importantly, we introduced a longevity bonus for members that have dedicated 20 years or more to UH.
The next bargaining session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22nd however we encourage every member to join us in celebration of Nurses’ Day. We will discuss the details of bargaining as well as other pressing issues that will have an effect on our members. The Nurses’ Day meeting is as follows:
Thursday, May 9th
12p-3pm, 6p-9p
E-Level Conference Room 349
In Unity,
HPAE Local 5089 Negotiation Committee
Cynthia McDougall, Banita Herndon, Cynthia Baez-Lugo, Wendy Bobcombe, Wanda Caudle, Dorene Dougan