Pacifica Hospital of the Valley in Sun Valley, Calif., reached an agreement with registered nurses, averting a 10-day strike.
The three-year agreement, which covers more than 150 nurses at Pacifica, includes wage increases; a new wage minimum that raises base pay for many; and staffing improvements,according to Service Employees International Union Local 121RN, the union that represents the nurses.
The agreement also gives displaced labor and delivery nurses the opportunity to move to a new department or receive severance.
"Nurses here have served generations of area families and will continue, long term — standing up for patients and fighting to improve Pacifica," said Amina Mohammed, a nurse who has worked more than 30 year at Pacifica. "The hospital is better when caregivers have a voice and have a seat at the table."
The agreement comes about two weeks after nurses announced plans to strike, beginning March 5 and ending March 15.
Precious Mayes, president and CEO of Pacifica, said hospital officials are pleased an agreement was reached.
"From the beginning of contract negotiations, PHV has sought an agreement with our nurses that was fair and reasonable for them and sustainable for the hospital and the community. We are pleased to report that we have reached such an agreement. There was true compromise by both sides to reach this agreement and serves as a foundation for PHV and the union to build on going forward," said Ms. Mayes.
More articles on human capital and risk:
CHI St. Alexius nurses try for second time to unionize
Oregon hospital support staff win union by 1 vote
RNs plan 10-day March strike in California