NJNU met today with KMC/SBBH management for the first day of contract negotiations.  NJNU presented our proposal.  Each member of the bargaining committee made a presentation regarding the major issues, such as staffing, security/safety, on call, and work assignments.

The hospital had certain questions which the bargaining unit answered.  The hospital stated that it will give their proposal to NJNU at the 4/2 session.

However, during the negotiation session the bargaining committee raised the concern that the hospital has not granted the bargaining committee the union leave that it had requested several times over past 3 months.  The hospital stated that would not give us the leave that is guaranteed to us in the contract and therefore is in clear violation of the collective bargaining agreement. Therefore at the end of the negotiation session NJNU filed a class action grievance and will file an ULP charge as well.

Please be advised that the hospital’s refusal to grant leave may result in a delay in further negotiation sessions.  It is unfortunate that at the first day of bargaining, management has interfered with our ability to negotiate on your behalf.