Nurses Union Reaches Tentative Agreement With University Hospital

NEWARK, NJ — One of the state’s largest health care unions has reportedly come to terms with University Hospital on a new contract.

The Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) Local 5089, which represents more than 900 registered nurses at University Hospital in Newark, has reached a tentative agreement with the medical center, union representatives said Monday.

According to union spokespeople, the new contract provides "stronger target staffing levels for every unit, non-hostile workplace language, updated language to include provisions of the Workplace Democracy Act and Earned Sick Leave and a comprehensive wage package."

HPAE Local 5089 members will vote on the proposed agreement on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11.

The tentative agreement comes after more than a year of “intense” negotiations, union officials stated.

“This is a step towards ensuring University Hospital patients receive the quality care they deserve,” HPAE Local 5089 President Cynthia McGougall said. “We are proud of our union’s dedication during this fight to protect our members and, in turn, the patients we care for. Our nurses are best in class and deserve this new contract.”

“While there is still work to be done to ensure that University Hospital remains committed to meeting patient and community demands, this is a positive step,” McGougall added.

HPAE members had raised concerns about patient safety and the facility’s stability under previous University Hospital management, with nurses demanding “safe staffing levels.”

• See related article: CEO At Beleaguered Newark Hospital Resigns Amid Outcry
• See related article: University Hospital Can Be 'Pride Of Newark,' New CEO Says

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.