Members from both the St. Mary’s Hospital RN and Tech Locals voted to ratify a new contract in November, with the plan taking effect upon confirmation of the hospital’s long-term financial plan in bankruptcy court. The contract will remain in force through February 28, 2013.

The contract not only includes future wage increases but restoration of previous court-enforced reductions in salary. There are also increases to the pension benefit to $1.95 by September 1, 2012. The contract.

Once in place, should the hospital be sold or partnered with another entity during the life of the contract, the contract must be part of that transaction.

The JNESO settlement of the PBI Bankruptcy has been approved by the bankruptcy court. The checks for qualified former PBI members are being distributed by JNESO the week of Thanksgiving. It is hoped that there will be additional funds available in the future for further distribution.

The St. Mary’s RNs Local has supplied the community-based Save St. Mary’s Hospital Passaic Coalition with funds to print lawn signs in both English and Spanish, asking for support to keep Passaic’s only remaining hospital open, safely staffed, and with access to comprehensive services.