Members of the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses United have reached a tentative labor agreement with Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, part of Brewer, Maine-based Northern Light Health.
The agreement, which averted a strike planned for March 23, covers about 900 nurses at the medical center.
It includes pay increases of 12% to 17% over three years, as well as increases in several pay differentials and a ban on all weapons in the hospital building, according to the union.
“EMMC came at us particularly hard this time around,” Erin Oberson, RN, said in a March 21 news release. “Until the very last minute, they insisted on huge takeaways from us. They also wanted to decrease paid time off and eliminate the pension for new nurses. Not only did we beat back every one of their concessionary demands, but we won new safety protections for all nurses and patients and made real economic improvements as well.”
In a statement shared with Becker’s, Ava Collins, president of Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, said, “We’re pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that reflects our deep respect for our nursing team and their vital role in delivering exceptional patient care. This resolution ensures continuity for our patients and the community, and we’re grateful for the dedication of everyone who worked toward this outcome.”
Nurses are scheduled to vote on ratification March 25.
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