FAQs

Negotiations

Click the questions below to see the answers.

When did contract negotiations with HPAE begin?

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) began contract negotiations with Health Professionals & Allied Employees (HPAE) Local 5030 on March 28, 2024, for a new contract for approximately 750 union-represented team members at Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, NJ. The bargaining sessions are being conducted in-person and virtually.

When do the existing contracts expire?

The HPAE contracts for RNs, professionals, LPNs, service and technical team members expire on May 31, 2024.

How does the negotiations process work?

Contract negotiations between Hackensack Meridian Health and HPAE are governed by a federal labor law called the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The law requires that employers and unions negotiate in “good faith” to reach agreement. This includes meeting regularly, bringing proposals to the bargaining table, responding to the other party’s proposals and working toward consensus.

The current contract is the starting point for negotiations. Negotiations are an opportunity to consider changes that address new needs and priorities and provide flexibility to respond to forces that impact our organization, like new health care policies, regulations and economic conditions.

Why do we need changes in the contract?

Like many other health care organizations in New Jersey and across the country, we want to improve processes and policies to enhance the recruiting and retention of team members; identify new ways to provide quality patient care and service more efficiently; and provide team members with market-competitive pay and benefit offerings they will value.

How long will negotiations take?

At this point it’s not possible to predict how long negotiations will take. We are committed to bargaining in good faith, with a desire to reach fair successor contracts without any unnecessary disputes or delays.

How can team members and leaders learn about what’s happening at bargaining?

We will provide regular updates to leaders and team members.

What topics are being discussed at negotiations?

We will discuss various non-economic and economic topics such as:

Ways to improve patient care
Efficient staffing
Rewarding team members for their individual contributions

Federal Mediation & Conciliation Services (FMCS)

What is collective bargaining mediation?

Collective bargaining mediation is the voluntary process in which a neutral third-party assists the union and management to reach agreement on a negotiated collective bargaining agreement.

How does FMCS become involved in the collective bargaining process?

FMCS mediators communicate with both union and management parties to a collective bargaining agreement prior to the start of negotiations. This communication begins when one or both of the negotiating parties files an F-7 Notice of Bargaining, a legally required notice of intent to open a collective bargaining agreement. At the request of both parties a mediator can provide assistance.

What is the role of the mediator?

During negotiations, a mediator uses his/her knowledge of the industry, similar negotiated settlements, the parties, and the issues to guide negotiators past potential barriers to settlement. Mediators may offer procedural or substantive suggestions and recommendations throughout the process. However, a mediator does not have authority to impose a settlement or to determine contract terms.

Source: www.fmcs.gov