The union representing 2,400 nurses and allied health professionals at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence approved a new five-year contract agreement.
Members of United Nurses and Allied Professionals ratified the labor deal Aug. 22, days after reaching a tentative agreement.
The new contract includes across-the-board wage increases over five years, according to an update emailed to unionized hospital employees. Workers receive a 2.75 percent increase the first pay period after contract ratification; a 2.5 percent increase the first pay period after Sept. 30, 2019; a 2.5 percent increase the first pay period after Dec. 31, 2020; and a 2.75 increase the first pay period after March 31, 2022. According to the hospital's owner, Providence-based Lifespan, the contract also includes some modification to the union's health insurance plan regarding design and premium share, as well as the creation of a joint labor-management working group that will work with an outside facilitator to address issues such as staffing, supplies and equipment.
The ratification vote comes after a monthslong dispute between Lifespan and the union. Negotiations on a new contract began before the old contract expired June 30, and workers went on strike in July. In August, workers voted "no confidence" in leadership and picketed. Additionally, both sides filed separate federal labor complaints with the National Labor Relations Board.
Both sides were pleased a new contract was ultimately reached, the Providence Journal reported.
"I'm proud of all UNAP members who stood up and raised their voice to win a fair and competitive contract" Local 5098 President Frank Sims, RN, told the publication.
"The hospital greatly values and respects its UNAP represented employees and all Rhode Island Hospital employees and looks forward to continuing our work of providing the highest quality care for our patients," hospital officials stated in a news release.
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