University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington has reached a tentative contract agreement with the union representing about 1,800 licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and nurse practitioners.
The three-year tentative agreement, reached Sept. 19, includes a 16 percent average base salary increase over the life of the contract, according to hospital officials. They said raises for ambulatory nurses will be retroactive to the first pay period in September.
Additionally, the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals conceded on its previously proposed increases to certain shift differentials as part of the deal.
The tentative agreement comes after six months of bargaining and demonstrations by nurses, including a 48-hour strike in July. Both sides said they were pleased they were able to make progress.
"We are looking forward to implementing the many positive changes that result from the new contract, which will enhance patient care, provide additional support for nurses and allow for new opportunities to advance the nursing profession," hospital officials told Becker's.
Molly Wallner, lead negotiator for the union, said: "We are proud of the unity, strength and perseverance our nurses have shown. This has been a long and difficult road for all of us, and we are proud of what we have accomplished. Our fight for patient safety is not over, and we will continue that fight through the [state] legislature."
Nurses are expected to vote on the tentative agreement soon.
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