Nurses at Portland-based Maine Medical Center have approved a three-year labor contract, according to a Jan. 8 news release from the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee.
The agreement follows nearly four months of bargaining and is the second contract for the hospital’s nurses since they voted to unionize in 2021. It covers approximately 2,500 nurses.
According to the union, the contract includes a 21% wage increase over the life of the agreement, increased workplace violence protections — including added security and weapons screening — and greater nurse representation on the hospital’s workplace violence and diversity, equity and inclusion committees. It also provides for more consistent meal break coverage and removes direct patient assignments for most charge nurses to allow them to better support staff.
“The overwhelming vote by union nurses to ratify this contract shows that we support the health and safety of our patients above all else,” Janel Crowley, RN, and a member of the union bargaining team, said in the release. “When people come to our hospital as patients, they can be sure that we will give them the best possible care and are more able to do that, now that we have these new contract provisions in place.”
MaineHealth, which operates the hospital, praised the agreement.
“We value the dedication and expertise our nurses bring to patient care every day, and this agreement reflects our shared commitment to providing the highest quality care to our patients and community,” the health system said in a statement shared with Becker’s. “We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our nurses to ensure a safe, supportive environment for both patients and care team members.”
Editor’s note: This article was updated on Jan. 9.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.