Bargaining Update (8/21) -– Strike Authorization Vote Incoming!
This week, the bargaining team met with management twice, but unfortunately, there has been little movement on safe staffing and workplace safety.
While the union’s initial proposal included clear and enforceable staffing ratios for all departments, management refused to commit to anything beyond following the law, promising that ICUs will have no more than 3 patients per nurse. They did not address ratios for any other unit in the hospital. Unacceptable.
On health & safety, management:
- Refused to have a police officer stationed at the hospital or increase the security presence in the ED
- Rejected expanding the use of wands/metal detectors to all hospital entrances
- Offered no added security support for the psych unit when nurses feel it is needed most
These are basic protections that keep both staff and patients safe, and management’s refusal is putting all of us at risk. Unacceptable.
Additionally, management:
- Proposed disciplining per diems who cancel more than one shift with less than 48 hours’ notice in 3 months
- Are still refusing to agree to increase our base wages, and are proposing annual raises maxing out at just 1%
Management’s positions are insulting and unacceptable. They would hurt us and our patients. We need everyone to work together to show them we won’t tolerate it.
Our strike authorization vote is opening Monday morning. We want everyone to attend one of our General Membership Meetings on Monday and vote YES! to authorize a strike. Our goal is to get a good contract, not to strike, but it’s clear that we need as much leverage as possible in this fight, and that means sending a message that we are ready to strike if necessary.
If you’ve already pledged to vote YES, thank you! You can still pledge to vote YES now, and find more information about Monday’s meetings, the strike authorization vote, and a strike FAQ, here: https://www.hpae.org/2025/08/strike-authorization-vote/
In Solidarity,
5058 Bargaining Team