A day of negotiating on Aug. 9 failed to produce a deal between the union representing more than 1,700 striking nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and the facility’s management.

The two sides met on Wednesday with a federal mediator – the first face-to-face encounter since the strike began on Aug. 4.

During that bargaining session, the union rejected the latest offer from RWJUH. A union spokesperson confirmed to NJBIZ that it had offered that counterproposal, that it was waiting for a response and that no further bargaining is scheduled.

“The USW remains, as ever, committed to negotiating a fair contract that ensures safe staffing and reflects nurses’ contributions to the success of the hospital,” USW staff representative Joe Arico, who has been involved in the bargaining, told NJBIZ in a statement. “We stand ready to continue bargaining and encourage management to join us back at the table.”

“United Steel Workers 4-200, the union which represents RWJUH nurses, today formally rejected the hospital’s latest offer that would have established clearly defined staffing guidelines, further bolstered nurses’ highest-in-the-state salaries and ensured zero increases in employee health contributions for a fourth consecutive year,” said Wendy Gottsegen, RWJUH spokesperson, in a statement. “Unfortunately, the union instead submitted a counterproposal well in excess of its last proposal. This proposal is now under review by RWJUH, and we look forward to the next meeting to be scheduled by the mediator.

“A prolonged strike benefits no one – least of all, our nurses,” Gottsegen said. “We urge the union leaders to consider the impact the strike is having on our nurses.”

Gottsegen also noted that RWJUH, which has contracted with a staffing agency for replacement nurses, remains open, fully operational and appropriately staffed.

“With the support of our physicians, faculty, and team of highly trained, highly skilled, and professional replacement nurses, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering always-safe, highest-quality care for the best patient outcomes,” Gottsegen said.

The latest developments follow a candlelight vigil held by the union members and supporters earlier this week on the picket line in New Brunswick.

And as the strike approaches the one-week mark, talks remain at an impasse.

“The USW continues to urge RWJ management to return to the table and bargain a fair contract that addresses nurses’ urgent concerns around safe staffing. As management now hires strike breakers, our reports indicate that it’s following staffing guidelines union members have long urged, demonstrating it understands the essential nature of staffing,” USW District 4 Director Dave Wasiura told NJBIZ in a statement earlier in the week. “Now, we’re asking RWJ to extend those same safeguards to its loyal nurses who remain, as ever, united in their commitment to the highest standards of patient care.”