Members of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United have approved a new labor contract with Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, Calif., part of the Providence system, based in Renton, Wash.
Union members voted overwhelmingly 89% in favor of ratifying the three-year deal, according to an Aug. 11 union news release.
Highlights of the contract include:
- Improved health and safety measures.
- Equity and inclusion committee focused on diversity.
- Ensuring nurses' ability to take breaks with safe staffing.
- A 14.5% across-the-board wage increase over the life of the contract, in addition to step increases.
"We're very proud of what we were able to achieve," Maria Chavez, RN, said in the release. "We now have an agreement that we think will improve our recruitment and retention rates of RNs, including our vastly expanded educational program that offers RNs tuition assistance and more."
The hospital also praised the deal.
"We are honored to work in unity with our nurses who provide excellent care to our patients every single day," Candice Washilewski, DNP, RN, the hospital's chief nursing officer, said in a statement shared with Becker's. "This new contract shows what we can achieve through collaboration to support the unwavering commitment of compassionate care for those whom we are called to serve."
The nurses began negotiations for a new contract in April and held an informational picket in June. The new contact covers more than 850 nurses.