Nurses' Union Gives Update On Negotiations At Palisades, Englewood Hospitals

NORTH JERSEY — A nurses' strike has likely been averted at three hospitals in New Jersey, including Englewood and Palisades hospitals, the nurses' union said this week.

The strike at Englewood was averted earlier this month, and the nurses' union announced Thursday that contract negotiations had likely averted a strike at Palisades Medical Center, owned by Hackensack Meridian Health.

"HPAE Local 5030 members have overwhelmingly ratified a historic contract with Hackensack Meridian Health, the owner of Palisades Medical
Center, that establishes patient-to-staff ratios for the first time in the hospital’s history," the union announced Thursday. "Over the life of the contract, employees will see 9 to 15 percent wage increases, along with other economic gains."

The Emergency Department will have one triage registered nurse along with five other registered nurses at 7 a.m.; eight RNs from 11 a.m.to 7 p.m.; and five RNs at 11 p.m. The contract also includes a new staffing side letter to hire as many as 50 additional staff, including 29 RNs, they said.

HPAE Local 5030 represents approximately 800 Registered Nurses, Professionals, Technical Staff, License Practical Nurses, Service Workers, and Skilled Maintenance Staff at HMH Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen.

What About Aetna?

In other health care news, Hackensack Meridian Health has been negotiating with Aetna to stay in network with the insurance provider. The company owns several hospitals, including Hackensack Medical Center and Palisades.

On June 5, the health care company sent an update to patients, saying they were continuing their negotiations with Aetna.

"If we are unable to reach a resolution by July 1, 2024, you will be able to continue seeing your doctors and care teams for the next 90-120 days depending on your Aetna plan," they said. "Hackensack Meridian Health will be considered an out-of-network provider for patients with Aetna health insurance after September 29 and October 29. That means patients who depend on us may have to pay more out-of-pocket or choose to find a new provider for their care."

Read their letter in full here.

PRIOR REPORTING: Hackensack Meridican Facilities, Doctors May Be Dropped From Aetna Network