Hackensack Meridian Health failed to negotiate in good faith during contract negotiations with a nurses union in 2018, the National Labor Relations Board has ruled.
The decision is a win for the Health Professional and Allied Employees (HPAE), which represents nearly 2,500 nurses and healthcare workers in the Meridian Health system.
The labor board found that Meridian Health failed to provide information to the union during their discussions.
“The negotiations of 2018 were some of the most difficult negotiations our members have ever faced. Unfortunately, since 2018, the challenges have continued with ongoing payroll errors that impact workers’ wages and other benefits and most recently the firing of one of the local union presidents, Adam Witt at Jersey Shore University Medical Center,” said HPAE president Debbie White.
The union is disputing Witt’s termination, which was followed by Jersey Shore University Medical Center posting his photo at entrances to prevent him from entering the building. The HPAE has also filed a whistleblower complaint and charges of retaliation.
“There was a level of disrespect shown throughout the previous negotiations that did not benefit anyone. The ‘one-size-fits all’ approach on policies that HMH has forced on workers, the refusal to bargain and the bypassing of labor law has created a difficult environment for our members,” White said. “We hope this NLRB decision will help HMH understand the need to develop a better relationship with their union members.”
A spokesperson for Hackensack Meridian Health did not immediately respond to a 12:36 PM email seeking comment.
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