Your negotiating team met yesterday, October 27, 2009 with management for another bargaining session.  The main issues discussed were staffing ratios, lay-off language and compensation for certifications.

Concerning staffing ratios, management’s position continues as it was last week. If legislation is passed, they would comply with what is required.  NJNU’s position is simply this, safe staffing saves lives!  Better nurse/patient ratio’s shorten our patient’s recovery time, prevents secondary complications which of course give us more time to spend at the bedside to provide the undivided attention that they deserve and require.  

Another discussion was about compensation on certifications, such as PALS, ACLS, and BLS. In the past, management was financially responsible for all certifications and re-certifications.  Currently, that is not happening.  Management’s position is that if your certification lapse’s or you’d like to take the full course (which would be more than one day), the second day would be your responsibility.  You could do it on your own time, or use benefit time.  We will revisit that issue again today.

Please keep in mind, that the topic of economics is still being discussed.  We heard all your concerns, comments and suggestions at the meeting on Monday.  While we were having the meetings at the NJNU office, Dr. Bonomo was having “town hall” meetings of sort, at the hospital.  In a nutshell, he directed his comments to the people that are Non-Union, Non-Executive and Non-physician employees.  He commended everyone for their hard work and dedication, and then stated that because of that loyalty, they would be compensated with a 2% wage increase, starting in August of 2010, a $500.00 bonus to be given the first week of January, and to freeze pension benefits.  Their “intention” for the freeze would be for 2010.  

No comment was made towards the NJNU bargaining unit members, though he did mention that we were in negotiations currently and we would no doubt come to an agreement.  Considering that he’s not at the bargaining table, we think that his statement was a bit premature.

We will continue to meet at the table later today, and for the rest of the week. Please make sure to wear blue tomorrow, to show your support and solidarity, as well as wearing your NJNU bracelets every day.  

We are working to achieve a fair contract for each and every one of you. Remember we are all part of the "TEAM" because:  

Together Everyone Achieves More!

Your Bargaining Committee: