2025 Union Roundup

2025 has been a tremendous year for our union! We started out by winning back our stolen time and holiday bonuses. Over the summer, we took an historic strike vote and won a strong Contract with fair raises and safe staffing. This fall, we successfully pushed back on Management’s plans to outsource union members in the Lab.

But the fight is not over – Hudson Regional has shown that they will ignore the law and our union contracts – like they did at Christ Hospital with their unlawful closures and layoffs.

Our power is our unity. When we stand together – we win!

Union Member Updates:

• Layoff Letters: Due to Union activism, the NJ Department of Health sent a letter to HRH stating that the 30-day “WARN Layoff Extensions” do not comply with the law. It has now been well over 30 days since the last ‘extension’ was sent out to workers at Bayonne or Christ.
• HPAE TRUST: Beginning in December 2025, deductions began for the HPAE Retiree Medical Trust (HPAE TRUST). This is the triple tax-advantaged medical pension that we voted on in July. Instructions on setting up your account can be found in the back of your contract. We will be putting together an info session with a trustee to answer your questions and help your get set up – Date TBD.
• Staffing Phase-Ins: On January 1, 2026, staffing in the following departments will be updated:
  ICU RNs – 1:2,
  Lab Medical Technologists – 4 on Day Shift.
  Further Staffing improvements will be rolled out on Telemetry on 7/1. Lab Staff will meet with management starting 6/1 to agree on additional staffing.
• UnionPlus Scholarship (use AFT as your international, apply by January 31): https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/education/union-plus-scholarships
• Medical Insurance: Starting on 1/1/26, Medical Insurance rates go to the negotiated rates in Appendix I. Members have reported issues – Management has said corrections will be in the next paycheck.
• BSN/MSN Differentials: The BSN/MSN Differential is Effective 1/1/2026 and will be in the next check

Important Links:

• HPAE TRUST Info: https://www.hpae.org/resource/rmt/
• Local 5185 Contract (this link will change): https://www.hpae.org/resources/local-5185-contract-july-1-2021-through-june-30-2024/
• AFT Occupational Liability Insurance: https://www.hpae.org/resources/aft-occupational-liability-insurance-plan/
• UnionPlus Benefits (use AFT as your international): https://www.unionplus.org
• Local 5185 Webpage: https://www.hpae.org/local/local-5185/

In solidarity,

Local 5185 Executive Board