Re-post from NJBiz | Written by Beth Fitzgerald
Jeanne Otersen, policy director for HPAE, said, “We made what we believe are significant improvements in (the) staffing level at both hospitals.”
The agreements also enhance retirement security for the workers and “protects many elements of health insurance coverage,” she said.
The agreements would be in place until June 30, 2015. HPAE said it represents more than 1,200 nurses and other health care workers between the two hospitals.
The negotiations had been contentious: After CarePoint raised the possibility of a lockout, the union rallied support from local elected officials.
“The support of our elected officials and community leaders made a major difference to our ability to include strong staffing improvements in both of our contracts,” said Ann Twomey, president of the 12,000 member HPAE.
The two hospitals are owned by the for-profit CarePoint Health, which also owns a third Hudson County Hospital, Hoboken University Medical Center.
