Attention JNESO Members: St. Mary’s Hospital is planning to be acquired by Prime Healthcare Services in order to keep its doors open and continue to provide quality healthcare to the public, as well as employment to over 1,200 people.
Our Union has ratified an agreement with Prime so that our members can become part of this new, more successful chapter in St. Mary’s history. But before moving forward, the State of New Jersey must approve the acquisition.
As Union members, you have a powerful voice, support this acquisition by going to the web site to sign the petition. Remember there is strength in numbers so please encourage family and friends to support this very important cause!
Legislative Update: a listing of articles and news regarding Political and Legislative Affairs.
JNESO supports the introduction of H.R. 485 -National Nurse Act of 2013 to establish the position of National Nurse for Public Health. The bill has garnered strong bipartisan support from 35 co-sponsors.
Attention JNESO Members: St. Mary’s Hospital is planning to be acquired by Prime Healthcare Services in order to keep its doors open and continue to provide quality healthcare to the public, as well as employment to over 1,200 people.
Our Union has ratified an agreement with Prime so that our members can become part of this new, more successful chapter in St. Mary’s history. But before moving forward, the State of New Jersey must approve the acquisition.
As Union members, you have a powerful voice, support this acquisition by going to the web site to sign the petition. Remember there is strength in numbers so please encourage family and friends to support this very important cause!
JNESO membership at St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic voted overwhelmingly to ratify the contract offered by Prime Healthcare Services as part of the purchase agreement. This agreement signals a fair contract settlement with Prime Healthcare Services.
Prime Healthcare has filed a Certificate of Need (CON) with the State of New Jersey. The purchase of St. Mary’s Hospital by Prime Healthcare Services is subject to review by the Attorney General’s office and the Department of Health.
North Brunswick, April 15, 2013 – JNESO, District Council 1 IUOE-AFL-CIO, the professional health care union and Prime Healthcare Services have reached a tentative settlement agreement at St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic. The final agreement is subject to ratification by the entire membership at St. Mary’s Hospital. The bargaining units include 356 nurses and 147 technicians. On Friday Local 68 of the IUOE-AFL-CIO employees, ratified their new contract with Prime according to Business Agent, Bob Masterson.
“This agreement signals a fair contract settlement with Prime Healthcare Services. Prime recognizes the quality of healthcare delivered by our members to Passaic and the surrounding communities,” said Virginia Treacy, JNESO’s Executive Director. “We are hopeful that this is the start of a long a productive relationship with the new owners.” The contracts will be effective on the date of the sale.
“Prime’s dedication of $44 million to make capital improvements signals their commitment to the Passaic community. We are pleased to see an owner who is capable and willing to invest needed dollars in the community that this hospital has served for so very long,” said Treacy.
Prime Healthcare has filed a Certificate of Need (CON) with the State of New Jersey and is subject to review by the Attorney General’s office and the Department of Health. The review process is structured to ensure that quality care and access to services are protected whenever a change in hospital operations is planned.
Treacy went on further, “As a Union, our obligation is to try and preserve our members’ jobs and working conditions. Over the years we have learned that if the community needs are protected so are we. When needed services are provided we have jobs and the community has safe quality health care. JNESO is looking forward to the same working relationship with Prime at St. Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, where we represent 440 nurses and technicians.”
A membership meeting for both the Nurses and the Technical Unit will take place on Thursday, April 18th in the hospital. Please check the JNESO website and/or hotline on Monday, April 15th for the location and time for this very important meeting.
There have been recent articles in the newspaper regarding the purchase of St. Mary’s Hospital and the feud between Prime Healthcare and HoldCo. Keep in mind that until any transaction is completed your current contract is in full affect with St. Mary’s. At this time, the State of New Jersey is reviewing all documents and information pertaining to the pending transaction and will issue its recommendation to the State Health Planning Board upon its completion.
Also, as a part of the State’s review, public hearings will be scheduled both in Passaic and at the Board’s meeting in Trenton. We will keep you apprised when these meetings are scheduled because your participation will be important when the time comes. Remember as we get dates for the public hearings we will let you know.
Should you have any questions please contact:
Karen May at 732.745.2776 ext. 127
Prime Healthcare Services and St. Mary’s Hospital of Passaic, NJ, Sign Binding Asset Purchase Agreement Critical Step Toward Preserving St. Mary’s as Acute Care Hospital
(Passaic, NJ - January 30, 2013) St. Mary’s Hospital and Prime Healthcare Services announced today they have agreed to and signed an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA). The binding document is a critical step forward for Prime Healthcare to finalize its acquisition of the Passaic-based hospital. The APA follows comprehensive due diligence performed by both organizations. The two organizations had signed a non-binding Letter of Intent in November of 2012.
2013 is starting out with many uncertainties, the two largest looming questions being:
When will we sit down to negotiate a new contract...and with whom?
* * * Your contract expires on February 28, 2013 * * *
JNESO is proceeding as normal. We sent our notice citing intent to bargain on November 28, 2012, along with all required Federal and State notices. Proposal surveys were mailed to all Techs so that proposals on your behalf are crafted from your concerns and needs. Your Local Officers are in the process of developing a Negotiating Team that comprises a broad-based representation of all Technical Departments, so that representation at the Bargaining Table is complete. We are also seeking Unit/Department Contacts to improve the flow of information between JNESO and you!
So now, we just need an Employer to negotiate with! JNESO has been told that the Asset Purchase Agreement should be secured for St. Mary’s within weeks. Once we know who the new Employer is, we can begin the process of setting dates to bargain.
The normal process of bargaining may be modified due to the acquisition by a new owner. We will keep you informed as the process develops.
Why Should I Care About My Contract?
Job Preservation
Grievance Process
Seniority Rights
Benefit Time
Medical Insurance
Hours of Work
Health/Safety Protection
Wages
Pensions
These are just SOME of the concerns you should have. Many non-union employees in other facilities are not afforded a legal contract protecting their working conditions.
The New Year will usher-in important changes to our bargaining unit. Hopefully, St. Mary’s Hospital will secure a new owner. With every new owner comes some level of change. Additionally, your contract expires on February 28th. It is important that you report any issues that may violate your contract to JNESO immediately so that we have the opportunity to address in a timely manner. As the process of negotiations is addressed, JNESO will keep you informed. A new Hotline for the Technical Unit has been established to enhance communications. The NEW Tech Hotline is 1-800-281-4293 ext. 5. The message on the Hotline will be updated weekly so stay informed! Local Officer elections will be conducted soon! Look for the call for nominations by your Nominating Committee: Marek Medrzecki & Jaqueline Cieza. Many “Thanks” to Marek and Jaqueline for volunteering to oversee the election process!
Hot Showers are available on the 4th floor across from the old Peds unit (412) 9-5. If you can please bring your own towels, but if it isn't possible they will supply. They are also supplying shampoo and soap. Please call HR to book a time.
On Thursday November 8th Labor Representative Diane Grady will be available at Cafe Maria from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM to address any questions or concerns you may have. Also on Tuesday November 13th Labor Representative Meredith Larson will be available at Cafe Maria from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
Health Care Policy Reports
Testimony for NJ Senate Health Committee on Conversion of Not for Profit hospitals to For Profit
Time Bar Extension