Local 5138 Members: Get Ready to Stand Strong – Strike & Solidarity Rally at SOMC!
The countdown is on! Our strike at Southern Ocean Medical Center (SOMC) in Manahawkin kicks off Monday, June 9, 2025, at 7:00 AM, and the momentum is building fast.
Community Power: Today, our unstoppable captains hit the streets, connecting with neighbors and spreading the word about why we’re striking — because safe staffing ratios aren’t negotiable! The community is fired up and standing with us! The ask for them was to join us at 12:00 PM on Monday for our rally and to call Dawn Heath and demand a fair contract with safe staffing NOW!
Labor Movement United: Your union leaders brought our fight to the Central Labor Council (CLC) and other unions — and guess what? We got overwhelming, rock-solid support! We are not just a union; we’re part of a powerful labor family ready to back us every step of the way. They have offered to lend us Scabby the Rat and set it up on Monday!
Strike Ready & Fired Up: Our picket captains are trained, fired up, and ready with assignments for Monday. When you arrive, check in with your picket captain — they’ll guide you on where to be and how to make your voice heard loud and clear!
What to Bring & Wear:
- We’ll have HPAE red shirts available for everyone — wear yours proud and loud!
- Pick up signs or get creative at the sign-making table — bring your energy and make your message visible!
- Don’t forget to wear sunscreen — we’ll be out there all day making history!
Getting There & Parking:
- Rally your friends, family, and coworkers — carpool and offer rides!
- Park at the Walmart parking lot in Manahawkin (525 NJ-72 W).
- Catch the shuttle starting at 6:45 AM to the strike line and get ready to win a fair contract for our patients and community!
- Picket Shifts Need YOU!
We need full picket line coverage ALL day long. Don’t wait — sign up NOW for your picket shifts and stand shoulder to shoulder with your fellow nurses: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HIWN7midf4xRjniF0qKFkpr_KBE3T0Wvg0Jt9hP4ouI/edit
Solidarity Rally – Noon Blast:
At 12:00 PM sharp, join us for a powerful Solidarity Rally at the strike line. Hear inspiring speakers from our union and allies, feel the energy, and show everyone just how united and strong we are!
Snack & Water Donations:
If you want to donate snacks and water, please hold off for a couple more days — we have enough supplies for Day 1 but will welcome donations as the strike continues.
This is OUR moment — together, we are unstoppable. Let’s make sure everyone knows nurses mean business!
In solidarity and strength,
Anna, Sybil, and Your 5138 Negotiation Team
