Local 5118 January 2026 Union Update

January 2026 Communications

A Message from Our Staff Representative

THANK YOU HPAE LOCAL 5118 NURSES

It has been an incredible journey with all of you as your HPAE Staff Representative!

In 2000 when the nurses organized the Union at Cooper there were 750 nurses. You are now 1,900 strong, passionate nurses.

During our Union negotiations in 2024 you showed Cooper that you are a collective of nurses united and willing to do what it took to be respected. You were loud and you were visible. Since that time, other HPAE Locals have presented your wage scale and language as their opening proposals to their employer.

BE PROUD OF YOUR SUCCESS. STAY STRONG.

It has been an honor to work with and represent you for so many years. My last official day with HPAE is February 27. Best Wishes!

In Solidarity,

Terry

Labor Management

Discussed ongoing issues with providers, specifically RT, not logging into their assigned TigerText roles
- Safety issue, leading to delays in care
- RT is working to remove Cisco phones and only utilize TigerText again
- Admin has spoken with management to help ensure team member use of TigerText
K8/K9 Split
- Ongoing discussion with Cooper
- Please reach out directly to management with any issues or concerns at this time

RN Safety and Violence

Addressed Concerns of Safety at Walter Rand Garage
- Security is making active rounds and clearing those wandering in the garage, but the issue is ongoing
- Union is requesting that there be more security patrols and presence in the garage
- Per Marcus (security), there was a concern for safety using the bus ramp to get in and out of the garage
  - You MUST use the Broadway exit for safety
- Union Addressed the Removal of the “Zero Tolerance for Violence” Posters
  - These posters have been replaced with “mind your manners” posters
  - Cooper stated that the posters were removed because there was shared communication that the “tone” of the posters was “concerning”
  - We expressed that taking away something that made the nurses feel a little safer because it “hurt someone’s feelings” was not acceptable, especially when nurses are still being harmed at the bedside.
  - Cooper will be providing a follow-up on this.
- Asked Cooper What Options We Have for Removing Parents in Pediatrics for Disruptive Behavior/Hindering of Care
  - Risk is available 24/7
  - Behavioral care plans can be set up with the parents
  - For violent or disruptive behavior, call security right away
  - You can always reach out to the CODs for further direction
- Impact after ED Class Action Grievance
  - More sheriff presence in the ED
    - More helpful in removing patients
    - However, consistency is lacking
  - The union asked Cooper for a clear list of duties of the Sheriffs
  - We will update as we receive more information

Staffing Updates

Float Holidays
- Reminder: Submit your holiday choices by January 31^st to management
- If you do not submit your holiday picks, you may be placed on one.
Vacation Schedule Requests
- Due by February 15^th to your manager.
UKG Pro (New Kronos)
- With the new switch, there may be some transcription issues. Please be vigilant in checking your time and schedule.
Cancelations
- Please ask the CODs to double check your float districts to verify it is a correct cancel
Agency Nurses
- As of mid-January, there were only 65 agency nurses, which is down from 84 last month.
- Presence is most prevalent on the weekends, on nights, and in the OR.
General 2025 Statistics
- Average number of BU nurses: 1589
- Current number of BU nurses: 1917
- Turnover rate: 13.8%
- Of the 2025 resignations/terminations, 92 of them were nurses within the first year of employment.

Positives and Grievance Updates

BIG WINS!
- Our Class Action Grievance for the Crit Care Modules was won!
- Two incorrect cancelation grievances were won, and the nurses were paid for Cooper’s mistake!
Multiple Step 1 and Step 2 grievances in process

General January Updates

Important 2026 Dates
- First Walk Through of the year will take place on February 19^th, 2026
- Time: After 11am
- Be on the lookout for us as we walk through your units.
- This is the time to come out and voice your concerns! Or to meet your LEB officers.
General reminder that you must give at least a 3-hour notice when calling out for your shift!
Need to request a union representative?
- If you were asking to come into the office by management, always ask “will this meeting lead to a discipline?” If the answer is yes, then ask for a rep to be present.
Contacting a union rep/officer
- We cannot use any correspondence provided by Cooper (ie Cooper email, Tigertext, Webex, etc)
- Please reach out to us via Facebook, online submission, or our emails listed on the representative chart
Grievance Process
- Please keep in mind, we have 10 days to file a grievance!
- If you are unsure if your situation calls for a grievance, please reach out to an LEB officer ASAP for clarification.
General reminder: If you are discussing an issue with the LEB or a union rep that may lead to filing a grievance, we suggest that you not discuss that same issue with management or HR. This may weaken our ability to win a positive outcome.

January 2026 Communications

Standing Strong Together – Updates, Wins, and What’s Ahead

Labor Management

Ongoing labor-management discussions have focused on communication and workflow issues, particularly respiratory therapists not consistently using TigerText, which has created safety concerns and delays in care. RT is working to return fully to TigerText usage, and administration is reinforcing expectations with management.

Conversations are also ongoing regarding the K8/K9 split, and nurses are encouraged to bring immediate concerns directly to management at this time.

RN Safety and Violence Updates

Walter Rand Garage:

Safety concerns remain a major focus, especially at the Walter Rand Garage, where security has increased patrols, but issues have persisted. The union is advocating for a stronger security presence. Security also emphasized that nurses must use the Broadway exit for safety.

Removal of “Zero Tolerance” Posters

The union also addressed the removal of “Zero Tolerance for Violence” posters, expressing concern that replacing them diminished nurses’ sense of safety. Cooper has committed to providing a follow-up.

Disruptive/Violent Parents in Pediatrics

Additional guidance was provided on handling disruptive behavior in pediatrics, including using risk management, behavioral care plans, security, and COD support.

Impact of ED Class Action

Following the ED class action grievance, the sheriff presence has increased, though consistency remains an issue. The union has requested clearer role definitions for the Sheriffs. Cooper will be updating us on this.

Staffing Updates

Float Holiday Selection

Nurses were reminded to submit float holiday selections by January 31 and vacation requests by February 15.

UKG Pro

With the transition to UKG Pro (new Kronos), nurses should carefully review schedules and time entries for errors. Cancelations should be verified with CODs to ensure accuracy. Please be sure to ask them to check your float districts first!

Agency Nurses

Agency nurse usage has decreased, with 65 currently employed, primarily covering weekends, nights, and the OR.

General Staffing Stats

2025 turnover was measured at 13.8%, with a notable number of departures occurring within the first year of employment. However, the total number of BU nurses is currently 1,917!

Positives and Grievance Updates

The union reported major successes, including winning the class action grievance related to critical care modules and securing pay for nurses affected by incorrect cancelations. Several Step 1 and Step 2 grievances are currently in progress, reflecting continued advocacy on behalf of members.

In Solidarity,
Your LEB