UC Nurses Ratify New Two-Year Contract

University of California nurses have officially ratified the agreement made between UC and the California Nurses Association on a new two-year contract.

Under the agreement, UC gave all UC nurses 4-percent salary increases on January 1, 2006 in addition to the market increases that UC gave to nurses in September while still at the bargaining table with the union.

Other key issues regarding nurse staffing and patient lifting were also resolved. Each UC medical center will settle conflicts over perceived staffing ratio issues with internal review committees, with the possibility of final resolution through a neutral third party. In addition, each UC medical center will implement a lift policy that would provide patient transfer and lifting devices, or lift teams, to assist with patient lifting.

“This agreement is a continuation of UC’s ongoing commitment to provide competitive wages and benefits, professional development opportunities, and a safe working environment to all our nurses” said Howard Pripas, UC executive director of labor relations.

In addition to UC’s proposals on wage increases, CNA also agreed to accept the changes to UC’s 2006 health insurance plans as well as not to conduct any strikes against UC in sympathy with other unions for the life of the contract.

UC and the union also agreed to reopen negotiations in spring 2006 to bargain over health benefits, retiree health benefits as they affect current nurses, meal and break periods, and wages for the second year of the contract.