Members of Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West have reached an agreement with Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster, Calif., the Antelope Valley Press reported Sept. 4.
The agreement — which was approved by union members and the Antelope Valley Healthcare District — covers about 1,800 support workers at the hospital, such as nurse technicians and those in housekeeping, radiology and the business office.
Under the three-year agreement, employees who were earning less than a starting pay of $17 per hour will see raises to that amount, according to the Antelope Valley Press. According to the report, other provisions of the contract include:
- Maintenance of a 2 percent annual increase for the regular step increases for the majority of workers under the agreement.
- Implementation of an attendance policy.
- A free meal stipend for dietary employees for each workday.
Overall, the contract includes across-the-board pay increases amounting to 12 percent over the life of the contract.
"We're happy with the results and feel it's a fair contract for all parties," Antelope Valley Medical Center CEO Edward Mirzabegian told Becker's. "We appreciate our employees and we want to make sure that their livelihood is protected."
Antelope Valley Medical Center has more than 2,500 employees.