Talks continue between University Hospital, nurses union

💲The contract between nurses and University Hospital expired Monday at midnight

💲Some agreements have been reached

💲Agreements on wages and staffing have yet to be reached

NEWARK — The union representing nurses at University Hospital is continuing contract talks despite their agreement expiring at midnight.

The Health Professionals and Allied Employees and the hospital reached an agreement on more flexibility for holiday time off and added orientation time for new members, according to a statement from Local 5089 on Sept. 24. However, no agreement was reached on wages, protections for per diems, and other unnamed issues.

The two sides agreed to keep talks going past the contract expiration.

"HPAE locals 5089 and 5094 will continue negotiating with University Hospital in Newark during this final week of contract expiration to give the employer every opportunity to bargain, safe staffing, fair wages, and benefits. HPAE members at the bargaining table have been very clear with this employer from the onset," HPAE President Debbie White, RN said in a statement, adding that no member wants to go on strike.

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HPAE reaches agreements at other hospitals

University Hospital spokeswoman Samantha Lish in a statement said "significant progress" had been made. The hospital is committed to resolving talks in a "timely manner."

"While this contract has historically remained the subject of negotiation well past expiration, both parties have made every effort to reach a mutually beneficial agreement as soon as possible and are prepared to resume conversations this week. We believe that open communication is vital to resolving these matters and we will continue to provide transparency throughout this process," Lish said in its statement.

The union also told NJ Monitor it seeks a 5:1 patient-to-worker ratio it believes will help with recruitment and retention. HPAE has had success in reaching staffing agreements with Hackensack Meridian Health at HMH Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and Cooper University Health Care.

A strike by nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick over similar issues lasted over 120 days before an agreement was reached. USW Local 4-200 represents the RWJ nurses.

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