MADISON, Wis. — UnityPoint Health – Meriter announced Sunday morning that its nurses have approved a new contract that will provide them with higher wages and more vacation time.
On Saturday, SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, the union representing the nurses, said the hospital and its nurses had reached a tentative agreement.
A Sunday morning news release confirmed that the nurses had voted to officially ratify the two-year contract.
The news comes after weeks of bargaining, and a pending strike from nurses if a deal was not reached.
“We are extremely pleased with this outcome,” said Meriter Chief Nursing Executive Sherry Casali.
The new contract offers wages above market rate and increased Earned time available. Longtime nurse can now have up to seven weeks a year of vacation or sick time. The release said previous benefits will also continue.
“We are committed to moving forward under the contract, as one strong Meriter team, to do what we do best: provide high-quality, compassionate care to our patients and community,” Casali said.
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