MADISON (WKOW) -- Nurses at UnityPoint Health – Meriter have voted to ratify a new two-year contract negotiated between the hospital and the nurses' union, SEIU Healthcare. The ratification follows several months of bargaining between the two parties.
“We are extremely pleased to reach a contract that we can all be proud of,” said UnityPoint Health – Meriter Chief Nursing Executive Sherry Casali. “Nurses are critical to what we do each day, and we believe that this contract recognizes their skill, commitment and passion.”
In a statement, the hospital said the agreement includes competitive wage increases “on top of what is already one of the highest paid nurse workforces in Wisconsin.” Meriter stated it believes the contract will support efforts to retain experienced nurses and attract new staff.
The ratification follows a press conference held Sunday morning by the bargaining unit representing Meriter registered nurses. The event, which marked the nurses' return to work after a five-day strike, included remarks from Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, who joined the nurses to commemorate the agreement reached on the final day of the strike.
According to the hospital, Meriter will continue to offer its established benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance, tuition assistance, childcare support, and a wellness program that provides free mental health services and wellness training.
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