The deal marks the end of a nine-month labor dispute that included a strike in April over issues such as staffing and pay, according to the news station.
Workers covered by the agreement are members of the District of Columbia Nurses Association, which represents more than 300 workers at the hospital and the university, including registered nurses, pharmacists, dietitians and social workers.
The union’s executive director, Edward Smith, shared with following statement with WJLA about the new contract: “It was only through the efforts and collective action of our members, with support from the community, that we were able to achieve agreement on a fair and equitable contract that recognizes our hard-working healthcare professionals and their commitment to caring for patients who come to HUH for care. I am profoundly proud of our members who have stood strong in solidarity throughout these long months and who, day in and day out, provide care to our patients.”
The hospital also praised the agreement.
“This is a great day for Howard University Hospital. We are one team with a common purpose, united behind the principles of respect, kindness, care and compassion,” Howard University Hospital CEO Anita Jenkins said in a statement shared with Becker’s. “The new [agreement] continues our shared goal to value the hard work of our DCNA members and will go a long way to advance patient care by demonstrating a firm commitment between the union and the hospital’s management.”
The agreement was ratified on May 19. Both sides began negotiations in November.
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