Tentative deal includes safe staffing ratios and financial incentives; other NJ hospitals still face possible strikes
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, in a major win for healthcare workers, the Health Professionals & Allied Employees (HPAE) union, representing 500 nurses and health professionals at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, reached a tentative contract agreement on May 29 — just days before the current contract’s expiration on May 31.
The new agreement includes enforceable nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and financial incentives, marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to improve healthcare conditions across New Jersey hospitals.
🔑 Key Highlights of the Tentative Agreement
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Enforceable staff-to-patient ratios to improve safety and care
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Financial incentives to help retain and support frontline healthcare professionals
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Avoids a previously authorized strike set to begin after May 31
“Science shows that safe staffing in hospitals truly does save patient lives,” said Debbie White, nurse and HPAE President.
Deborah Visconi, President and CEO of Bergen New Bridge, confirmed the tentative deal, expressing optimism in reaching a fair resolution ahead of the contract’s deadline.
🦠 Pandemic-Era Staffing Crisis Still Looms
Hospital staffing challenges continue to plague New Jersey’s healthcare system, worsened significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout, under-staffing, and unsafe patient loads have been at the center of recent union negotiations statewide.
Nurses argue that unsafe staffing conditions not only increase stress for medical staff but also compromise patient care and outcomes.
📍 Southern Ocean Medical Center Nurses Plan to Strike June 9
While Bergen New Bridge reached a deal, HPAE Local 5138 members at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Stafford Township have not yet secured a contract with Hackensack Meridian Health and plan to strike at 7 a.m. on June 9.
“We want to be able to care for our patients, and we need more staff to do that safely,” said Anna Pona, HPAE Local 5138 President.
Union representatives say they’ve been negotiating since February, pushing for safe staffing language similar to what Hackensack Meridian agreed to at Palisades Medical Center in 2023.
🗣️ Union vs. Hospital: Ongoing Disputes
According to the union, Hackensack Meridian has failed to respond to safe staffing proposals.
“They’ve agreed to ratios at Palisades, so why not at Southern Ocean?” White asked.
Hackensack Meridian responded in a public statement, saying the hospital remains committed to good-faith bargaining and will remain open if a strike occurs. A contingency plan will bring in external nurses to maintain operations.
“We are disappointed HPAE plans to remove nurses from patients to walk a picket line,” said Jessica Nussman, Hackensack Meridian spokesperson.
💬 What’s Next?
While one hospital reaches a breakthrough, another faces uncertainty. The tension over staffing levels, fair compensation, and safe working conditions remains high in hospitals across New Jersey.
With strike action looming at Southern Ocean Medical Center, all eyes are on the next round of negotiations.
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