The nurses have been organizing for four months and will begin the bargaining process for their first contract with the hospital once votes are certified, according to a Feb. 6 news release from AFT Vermont that was shared with Becker’s.
“We voted yes to having a seat at the table for equal decision-making, advocating for our colleagues, ourselves, and most importantly, our patients,” Emily Sherin, RN, said in the release.
Union members said they plan to bargain for safe staffing ratios, experience-based pay scales and work flexibility.
“We fully recognize and respect the outcome of the election,” Northwestern President and CEO Peter Wright said in a statement shared with Becker’s. “We are committed to moving forward and shaping a positive future focused on our common mission of providing exceptional care for our community.”