Unionized healthcare workers ratified a three-year contract agreement with Fountain Valley (Calif.) Regional Hospital and Medical Center.
The workers, represented by the National Union of Healthcare Workers, approved the agreement Friday after nine months of negotiations, the union said in a news release.
The agreement includes market rate adjustment pay increases of 15 percent for long-time hospital employees, among other provisions, according to NUHW. "All workers will get raises that significantly exceed previous compensation, in addition to improved health benefits and better job security," the union added. Also, "the contract mandates the creation of a patient care committee that will give caregivers direct input into ensuring quality healthcare."
The agreement covers nearly 600 Fountain Valley workers, including nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, radiology technicians, surgical technicians and maintenance workers.