Welcome to Local 5186
Local 5186 represents Registered Nurses at Christ Hospital in Jersey City, NJ.
News
READ IMMEDIATELY – Union Update, November 14, 2025
On November 13, Hudson Regional announced plans to close all Heights units except the Emergency Department. We believe this rushed and potentially unlawful action leaves the community without a functional hospital and puts patients at risk.
HPAE statement on HRH’s illegal “closure” of Heights University Hospital
Hudson Regional has made this decision illegally with no regard for Department of Health regulations or the Warn Act. What will happen to the patients in this community?
Local 5186 Important Union Update, November 11, 2025
Today, Management just Informed us that they intend to close all departments aside from the ED. They could not give us a date, time, reason, or list of members who would be impacted.
Hudson Regional Management Thinks They Can do Whatever They Want – We’re Fighting Back!
HPAE Members at all the hospitals owned by Hudson Regional (Bayonne, Heights/Christ, and Secaucus) have taken on Management separately, but we know we're strongest when we stand together!
Local 5186 Nurses Fight Back – Join Us Today!
Today (10/31) at 12:30, we will be holding an online Press Conference with City Councilman James Solomon about Hudson Regional's unlawful and unsafe layoffs and unit closures.
HPAE Press Release: HRH Layoffs at Heights University Hospital
Hudson Regional Health (HRH), which owns Heights University Hospital (HUH), formerly known as Christ Hospital, has begun to terminate employees at the hospital and reduce admissions.
HPAE statement on HRH’s “stabilization” plan for Heights University Hospital
EMERSON—”Hudson Regional Health (HRH), which owns Heights University Hospital, publicly states it is ‘stabilizing’ the health system — but its actions paint a very different picture. The hospital has announced it is reducing critical services available to the community and
Hudson Regional Has an Obligation to the Community, the Workers and the Courts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Hudson Regional Has an Obligation to the Community, the Workers and the Courts 2025.10.14_Carepoint Placey LTR Nabulsi EMERSON—After weeks of Hudson Regional Health (HRH) pressuring policymakers to bail them out, the NJ Department
HPAE statement on HRH’s demand of $25 million to continue operating Heights University Hospital
State regulators should hold HRH accountable to fulfil the promises they've made during the bankruptcy. Any funding must come with transparency, a plan and a requirement to fulfil the plan.
Important Union Update, October 1, 2025
The NJ Department of Health has strongly reminded Management that they can not just shut down our hospital or close services in 30 days.
NJDOH on Heights hospital: ‘HRH cannot simply close a hospital overnight’
An official from the New Jersey Department of Health warned Hudson Regional Health that they can’t close Heights University Hospital in Jersey City overnight in a letter issued the same day they announced they would be cutting non-essential services...
O’Dea calls for ‘task force of all levels of government’ to keep Heights hospital open
“Christ Hospital is an essential part of Jersey City’s healthcare infrastructure that thousands of people rely on for medical care, especially those without the means to travel to other facilities,” he said in a statement.
Editorial: The Betrayal of Christ Hospital
In a Friday afternoon press release, the hospital’s new owner, Hudson Regional Health, announced that without substantial state aid, the 153-year-old hospital, recently renamed Heights University Hospital, would likely be shuttered.
Kifaieh – What’s Your Plan?
Management has NO PLAN to fix its finances and STILL doesn't know who they're planning to lay off or what services they'll close at Heights Hospital.
New Jersey hospital to end ‘non-essential services’ without state funding
Secaucus, N.J.-based Hudson Regional Health will suspend non-essential services at Heights University Hospital in Jersey City, N.J. should the state and other government entities not provide it “substantial financial support”...
HPAE Statement on HRH’s Pending Layoff Notices to Heights University Hospital Workers
Union leaders were presented with no plan for the future but were encouraged to tell the Department of Health and the Governor that they need money to keep Heights Hospital afloat.
We’re Fighting Back!
On Friday (9/26), we met with HRH ... they now claim to be already out of solutions for our newly named "Heights Hospital."
HPAE local 5186 Officer Election
Nominations for Local 5186 Officer positions were closed on July 28. In accordance with the HPAE election rules, all unopposed candidates shall be deemed elected.
Bayonne Medical Center Workers and Christ Hospital Nurses Overwhelmingly Authorize Strikes
Hundreds of workers saving lives in Jersey City and Bayonne are working on contracts that will expire in days.
HPAE local 5186 2025 Notice of Nominations and Election
In accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of HPAE local 5186, the election of local union officers will take place by secret mail ballot.
How to Vote on Monday
All HPAE members will receive a link to your secure ballot via text and email. Do not share this link. It is unique to you and can only be used once.
Message of Support from Members at Hudson Regional Hospital
HPAE Members at Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus stand in unwavering solidarity with you as your contracts approach expiration. We understand the gravity of facing a strike vote, and we want you to know that your fight is our fight.
Local 5186 Union Meeting, Wednesday, June 11
Our next union meeting will be Wednesday, June 11 at 08:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 4:00 PM in Staff Room A/B.
Local 5186 Negotiations Update, May 27, 2025
Can You Afford to Lose $3,385.75 This Year? THAT is what HRH's proposals would cost the AVERAGE Union Member now through January 1, 2026. On top of that, HRH wants to increase your insurance premiums by Eighty-Seven Percent starting in 2026.
Local 5186 Union Negotiations Update, May 5, 2025 – Management’s Proposals
On Friday (5/2/25), Management presented their proposals for our next Contract.
CarePoint exits bankruptcy with HRH finally taking over all 3 of their hospitals
A confirmation by U.S, Bankruptcy Judge Kate Stickles this afternoon has resulted in HRH taking control of the operations of Christ Hospital in Jersey City, the Hoboken University Medical Center, and the Bayonne Medical Center...
N.J. Dept. of Health approves HRH’s certificate of need for Bayonne Medical Center
HRH has owned the Bayonne Medical Center property since July 2020 and has taken a variety of actions to become its operator, including most recently being named interim operator of the acute care facility during CarePoint Health’s ongoing bankruptcy.
Local 5185 and 5186 Members: UNION WIN!
Today, we reached an agreement with CarePoint & HRH in court...
Local 5185 and 5186 members say: No time for your town halls!
HPAE Members at Christ Hospital and Bayonne Medical Center WILL NOT be attending CarePoint's Townhalls on February 11.
Local 5186 Union Update, February 4, 2025
There will be a Union Meeting 2/19/25 in Staff Room A/B.
CarePoint Health takes away employees’ accrued paid time off; unions vow fight
CarePoint Health, millions of dollars in debt, told employees at its three Hudson County hospitals it is taking away all of their accrued paid time off (PTO) and capping future PTO...
Hudson Regional Hospital gets state board stamp of approval for Bayonne Medical Center takeover
Bayonne Medical Center’s future should be in Hudson Regional Hospitals (HRH) hands, the State Health Planning Board affirmed in a vote Thursday, a win for community members and officials who advocated for the transition after years of uncertainty.
HPAE applauds Jersey City’s Council resolution supporting the union’s demand that Hudson Regional Hospital honor union contracts
The City Council in Jersey City has passed a resolution demanding that Hudson Regional Hospital.
Transfer of BMC to Hudson Regional Hospital takes major step with recommendation by state DOH
The transfer of Bayonne Medical Center, one-third of the cash-strapped CarePoint Health system, to Hudson Regional Hospital has cleared a major hurdle.
New operator for Bayonne hospital promises a new day
Hudson Regional Health CEO Nizar Kifaieh delivered good news to a curious staff at Bayonne Medical Center on Tuesday morning...
Hudson Regional Hospital vows to replicate its success story in Bayonne. Employees, officials say now is the time
After years of lawsuits and false starts, Hudson Regional Hospital (HRH) is finally getting a shot at state approval to take over operations at BMC, one of three hospitals in the cash-strapped CarePoint Health System.
Once considered Bayonne hospital’s savior, minority ownership group aims to halt CarePoint bankruptcy, merger
The surgicenter group that four years ago was hailed as the savior for the cash-strapped Bayonne Medical Center is now attempting to halt the CarePoint Health bankruptcy and merger plans.
The state is considering a new owner for Bayonne Medical Center. A union is demanding financial guarantees
A healthcare workers union is asking for a guarantee the new owners will commit $50 million to Bayonne Medical Center and keep it open for at least 10 years.
HPAE Press Release Regarding CarePoint Health Certificate of Need and Bankruptcy Hearing
HPAE will continue to advocate for its members and their patients to make sure all their rights are protected, and the hospitals remain open.
Local 5186 Update: Bankruptcy: What We Know And What We Can Do
CarePoint has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This is part of CarePoint’s restructuring to become part of Hudson Health. HPAE has hired an experienced bankruptcy attorney to represent our members in Bankruptcy Court.
CarePoint Health, more than $108 million in debt, declares bankruptcy
CarePoint Health, the Hudson County non-profit healthcare system teetering on the brink of financial collapse, is more than $108 million in debt, according to bankruptcy documents filed Sunday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.
Local 5185 and 5186 Members: Save OUR Hospitals Rally, October 22
Tell our leaders to keep our Hospitals Open, Hold CarePoint Accountable, and NO LAYOFFS!
Moulick out as CEO of struggling NJ hospital system as new managers move forward
The CEO and president of a Hudson County hospital network on the brink of collapse has been replaced by the founder of the company planning to take over two of the hospitals.
Local 5185 and 5186 Members: TAKE ACTION! Sign Our Petition!
Our union is taking Action! Add your name to our petition to Governor Murphy.
CarePoint Health announces potential layoff of 2,600 employees in New Jersey (video)
CarePoint Health says 2,600 employees working in its hospitals may be laid off in December. These employees work at Bayonne Medical Center, Christ Hospital in Jersey City and Hoboken University Hospital.
Local 5186 Negotiations Update: Tentative Agreement on Union Contract
On Tuesday, your Union Negotiation Committee reached a Tentative Agreement with Management on an 11-month Agreement with improvements and NO GIVEBACKS!
HPAE Statement on Jersey City Council Resolution Supporting Safe Staffing
The City Council in Jersey City has passed a resolution supporting “safe staffing standards in collective bargaining agreements, and proposed legislation and hereby urges the NJ Legislature to pass the ‘Patient Protection and Safe Staffing Act,’”
HPAE commends the Hudson County Board of Commissioners for approving a resolution calling for a law to mandate Safe Staffing ratios in NJ Hospitals
Members of HPAE applauded the Hudson County Board of Commissioners as they unanimously approved a resolution today supporting establishing safe staffing standards in collective bargaining agreements...
Notice of 2024 Nomination and Election of Local 5186 HPAE and AFT Convention Delegates and Alternates
The Nominations/Election Committee announces that we are now accepting nominations to represent Local 5186 at this year’s HPAE State Convention , as well as the AFT National Convention.
Hudson Regional Hospital and CarePoint Health combining to form Hudson Health System
Once rivals fighting over who would operate three local hospitals, Hudson Regional Hospital and CarePoint Health have agreed to terms to combine and form Hudson Health System.
HPAE Statement Regarding Carepoint Hospitals
The members of HPAE Local 5185 at Bayonne Medical Center and Local 5186 at Christ Hospital in Jersey City welcome a solution that would allow all current Carepoint Hospitals to remain open and able to serve their respective ...
Notice of 2023 Nomination and Election of HPAE local 5186 Officers
The Nominations/Election Committee announces that there are five (5) Local 5186 officer positions that are up for election this year.
Nurses are drowning: State must mandate enforceable staffing ratios
At the height of the COVID pandemic three years ago, my nursing colleagues and I were struggling to keep patients alive. Since then, we’ve faced many surges in COVID cases.
LOCAL 5186 NOTICE OF 2022 NOMINATIONS AND ELECTION OF AFT CONVENTION DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
The Nominations/Election Committee announces that they are now accepting nominations to represent Local 5186 at this year’s AFT National Convention. This year’s convention will be held at Boston Convention Center and Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts, July 12th – 17th,
Local 5186 Christ Hospital Mandatory Membership Meeting, April 13, 2022
Mandatory Meeting: Gift Giving and Q&A Session
Local 5186 HPAE Convention Delegate Announcement
The Nominations/Election Committee announces that the following members will serve as delegates for HPAE Local 5186 at this year’s HPAE State Convention.
Notice of local 5186 elected officers
The Nominations/Election Committee announces that the following members have been elected as officers for Local 5186.
Local 5186 Contract Highlights, 2021
Our Union Won! Duration of Contract: 3 years Won 3% cumulative raises for 2021: move two experience steps plus across the board increase totaling 3% *Off the steps and per diems 3% across the board Won 3% cumulative raises for
Notice of 2021 Nominations and Election of Local 5186 Officers
The Nominations/Election Committee announces that there are five (5) Local 5186 officer positions that are up for election this year.
Notice of 2021 Nominations and Election of Local 5186 HPAE Convention Delegates and Alternates
The Nominations/Election Committee announces that they are now accepting nominations to represent Local 5186 at this year’s HPAE State Convention.
Local 5186 Christ Mandatory Membership Meeting, July 6, 2021
TUESDAY JULY 6TH STARTING AT 8:00 AM, MEETINGS ON THE HOUR, LAST MEETING AT 6:00 PM
HPAE Christ Bargaining Update #2
To date, we have had seven bargaining sessions with management. We have not received any economic proposals from management to date, but the hospital is mentioning once again increasing the cost of health insurance.
Healthcare workers union to begin contract negotiations with Hudson County hospitals
New Jersey’s largest healthcare employees’ union is preparing to begin contract negotiations with three Hudson County hospitals, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and a drawn-out struggle for ownership over the county’s hospitals.
Join us for our end of year Local Union Membership Meetings – by Zoom and phone!
This is our first virtual membership meeting: we will meet by Zoom – a videoconferencing app. If you don’t have Zoom (its easy to install on your smartphone or computer), you can call in as well.
Two Hudson hospitals are cited, fined by OSHA for COVID-19 violations
Two hospitals in Hudson County have been cited by a federal agency for COVID-19 related health and safety violations, officials said.
Member Update on OSHA Complaints and Hazard Pay
Due to continued unsafe conditions, and a violent assault by a patient, in Behavioral Health and Detox, our union filed an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) complaint.
COVID-19 – Know Your Rights
HPAE, AFT and unions across the country are working to fight for safeguards to our own health and the health of our communities.
How an ER nurse and his wife are coping on the front lines of coronavirus fight
After a long 12-hour shift in the emergency room at Christ Hospital, Glenn Levine returns to his Hoboken condo unable to share a simple kiss with his wife.
March 16 Membership Meeting Cancelled
Today’s membership meeting is CANCELLED due to social distancing CDC recommendations.
Hudson County officials say Alaris Health owner is blocking deal for 2 Hudson County hospitals
Elected officials from Hudson County say RWJBarnabas and CarePoint Health have come to an agreement on the sale of two hospitals in Jersey City and Hoboken, but ...
Local 5186 Members: Call Governor Murphy & Keep Christ Hospital Open
A recent Jersey Journal Editorial highlighted the need to keep Christ Hospital open. As unionized nurses, we must come together to send a message. Call Governor Phil Murphy TODAY at 609-292-6000!
Keep heat on to keep hosps open | Jersey Journal editorial
The assignment of a state monitor to review the finances of the three CarePoint Health hospitals in Hudson County is a welcome development in a twisting, turning saga in which the welfare of residents is literally at stake.
HPAE Union meeting Tuesday, January 21
Membership meetings: Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 8:00 am, 12:00 pm, 3:30 pm
Christ Hospital HPAE membership meetings: Monday, 12/2/19
Update on RWJ Barnabas possible acquisition of Christ Hospital: 8am-9am, 12p m-1pm, 2pm-4pm
WARN notice sent to Christ Hospital HPAE members
Your employer, CarePoint Health Christ Hospital will be sending you a “WARN Notice” in the mail. You may have already received it.
RWJBarnabas to buy Christ Hospital and Hoboken University Medical Center
RWJBarnabas, one of the state’s largest health care systems, is set to acquire Christ Hospital and Hoboken University Medical Center in a deal that could drastically change the health care landscape in Hudson County.
Hudson County Healthcare Workers call for Transparency as an Agreement is Announced Between CarePoint Health and RWJBarnabas
Since Carepoint Health began purchasing Hudson County hospitals nearly a decade ago, HPAE members have stood together to fend off cutbacks, layoffs and reductions in services executed by the for-profit owners.
Christ Hospital HPAE mandatory membership meeting 10/29/19
Mandatory Membership meetings: Tuesday October 29th, 2019, 8am, 12p, 4pm
Local 5186 Nomination and Election
The Local 5186 Nomination and Election Committee has completed Local 5186 Officer Elections. We commend all of you who participated and who took the time to have a voice in your union. Congratulations to all the winners President – Nicole
Local 5186 officer elections
The Nominations/Election Committee announces that there are five (5) Local 5186 officer positions that are up for election this year. The nomination committee is currently accepting nominations for these positions. POSITIONS: President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Grievance Chairperson TERM OF
Unionized healthcare workers at Carepoint hospitals call for oversight as the for-profit owner announces layoffs in Hudson County
On July 1st HPAE elected leaders were notified by Carepoint administration that layoff notices will be sent to employees in the coming weeks. HPAE, the largest union of nurses and health professionals in NJ, represents nurses at Christ Hospital in
Local 5186 Membership Meetings, Wednesday, May 22
Agenda: Nurses Week Gifts, Discussion on flyer on possible sale/NJ state report
State must update regulations for for-profit hospitals
The State Commission of Investigation report released this week on the byzantine business structures behind three Hudson County hospitalsrevives that queasy feeling we get when linking the words “for profit’’ with traditionally public service organizations.
SCI: CarePoint owners used shell companies to extract $157M from 3 hospitals
The principal owners of CarePoint Health set up shell companies to pull more than $157 million in "management fees" from the three Hudson County hospitals...
Union Rep Training, January 26
On January 26th, HPAE members came out for a training on handling grievances and representing their co-workers in disciplinary procedures.
Local 5186 members: Upcoming membership meeting Jan 24, Contract distribution
Thursday, January 24, Christ School of Nursing (across from Christ Hospital), Library Conference room
Local 5186 HPAE State Convention Delegate List
The nomination and elections for HPAE Convention delegates has concluded.
Local 5186 HPAE State Convention Nomination Form
The Nominations/Election Committee announces that they are now accepting nominations to represent Local 5186 at this year’s HPAE State Convention.
Local 5186 Christ Hospital Ratification Vote a Huge Success!
On Monday, July 2, we held a ratification vote for our three year agreement with CarePoint Christ Hospital. Ninety-nine percent of those who turned out to vote gave the thumbs up for our new agreement. Thanks to our bargaining committee for all
Health Professionals Reach Tentative Agreement with CarePoint Health at Hudson County Hospitals
Nurses and health professionals represented by HPAE Local 5185 at Bayonne Medical Center and HPAE Local 5186 at Christ Hospital reached a tentative agreement with CarePoint Health administrators on June 30.
Local 5186 members: contract ratification vote, July 2
Monday July 2, 2018, Staff Room C
Health Professionals Bring in Federal Mediator, Call Off Informational Picket at CarePoint Hospitals
Nurses and health professionals represented by HPAE have withdrawn their notice to conduct informational picketing at both hospitals.
Christ Hospital Local 5186 Bargaining Update June 23, 2018
Changing our course of action. We will not be holding our picket originally planned for June 27th.
Health Professionals Demand Protections as CarePoint Health proposes Outsourcing and Closure of Services for Hudson County Hospitals
Since mid-March, HPAE Local 5186 at Christ Hospital and HPAE Local 5185 at Bayonne Medical Center have been fighting to protect services at both hospitals.
Bayonne Local 5185 & Christ Local 5186 Bargaining Update June 16, 2018
HPAE members at Bayonne and Christ come together in support of a fair contract First joint negotiation held with CarePoint on June 13th The negotiating teams from Bayonne Medical Center and Christ Hospital presented joint proposals on health insurance and
CarePoint Health Christ Hospital HPAE Local 5186 Bargaining Update May 31, 2018
Management has proposed to take away our layoff protections in the event of outsourcing (Article 3, Section 2).
Local 5186 membership meetings & contract negotiations update, May 11
Attention all CarePoint Health Christ Hospital HPAE Local 5186 Members: Membership meetings: Contract Negotiations Update
Christ Hospital Pre-Bargaining Member Update
Our contract expires June 30th, do not lose focus on how important this is. Our fight is to keep all we have as well as gain more of what we need.
Local 5186 membership meeting and contract negotiations preparations: February 9, 2018
HPAE Local 5186 RNs are mobilizing to protect patient and worker safety standards as they prepare for contract negotiations with Carepoint Health. On Friday February 9th, close to 200 members met to discuss our union’s preparation for upcoming contract negotiations.
Local 5186 Mandatory Membership Meeting: February 9
Friday February 9, 2018 - 8am, 12pm, 4pm, 6pm - Staff Room C in Christ Hospital
A Hero Among Us
Please help me acknowledge and thank our very own RN WASHINGTON VILLACRES. He made the trip to Puerto Rico recently, with RNs from HPAE and other unions to help the people of Puerto Rico recover from the devastation of Hurricane
Attention HPAE Local 5185 and Local 5186 members: Carepoint letter concerning the New Jersey temporary disability plan
In the past week, you may have received a letter from CarePoint management asking you to choose to leave the New Jersey State temporary disability plan. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO FILL THIS OUT.
Local 5186 Celebrates the Holidays
On Sunday, December 11, Local 5186 members gathered at Liberty Prime Steakhouse for an enjoyable brunch.
Local 5186 at the HPAE Convention
Local 5186 officers, Reps, and members attended HPAE's 2016 convention on October 6 and 7. HPAE members joined together to discuss, plan and vote on resolutions to advance an agenda to protect our members and communities.
Convention Resolutions & Constitutional Amendments Support HPAE’s Strategic Plan for Growth
At the HPAE 2016 Convention, delegates came together to make important decisions about the future of our union through a series of resolutions, constitutional amendments, and by-laws changes.
CarePoint Health Sues Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield for $76 Million
Three Hudson County hospitals owned by CarePoint Health and known for charging some of the highest prices in the nation for care have filed a federal lawsuit against the state’s largest health insurer, alleging that the company owes them more
Members Enjoy Holiday Party, Discuss Key Issues at Membership Meeting
Local 5186 members attended a belated holiday party and open forum/membership meeting yesterday at the School of Nursing 1st Floor classroom. Gifts were distributed and there was plenty of food for the members who attended(see photo on the left).
Thats all, folks - no more news!
In This Local
- When We Stand Together, We Win!
- What's going on at Heights Hospital - Everything You Need to Know
- Letter from the Department of Health to Hudson Regional
- HPAE Letter to NJ DOH Regarding Layoffs at Heights University Hospital
- Local 5186 Contract (July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024)
- Local 5186 Officer and Rep List
- HPAE Membership Application
- The Turning Point Newsletter - August 2025
- Local 5186 Constitution and Bylaws
- HPAE Retiree Medical Trust - Basic Information
- AFT Occupational Liability Insurance Plan
- Local 5186 Officer Nomination Form
Upcoming Events for Local 5186
No upcoming events at this time.