Registered nurses at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital (SLUH) in St. Louis, Missouri, voted overwhelmingly today to ratify a new three-year contract, gaining protections that will improve patient safety and nurse retention, the National Council of Nurses Organizing/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU) announced today.
The RN has been fighting for a strong contract for over a year, including staging information pickets in July 2023, a historic one-day strike in September 2023 and a two-day strike in December 2023.
“This new contract is a huge win for patients and nurses.” Arlene Shepherd“It’s taken a long time, but we’ve finally won an agreement that allows us to recruit and retain experienced nurses. With improved staffing, we’ll be able to provide our patients the care they deserve.”
The main contents of the agreement are as follows:
- Safe Staffing RegulationsIt includes language establishing a nurse staffing subcommittee, elected by nurses, to work with the elected committee of nurses to review hospital policies, procedures and staffing plans and make recommendations, which the chief nursing officer is required to consider and act upon.
- Health and Safety Language Addressing workplace violence reporting and personal protective equipment standards
- No contractual takeaway
- Economic benefits and health benefits provisions To help retain and recruit experienced nurses, the deal includes an average wage increase of 17 percent over the term of the contract, with a maximum increase of 40 percent, and the maintenance of current health insurance plans.
The new agreement covers the period from July 27, 2024 to July 27, 2027.
“We are proud that through collective action and solidarity we were able to fight contract stripping, preserve health insurance choice, and ensure nurses’ voices are heard when it comes to staffing policies,” they said. Kelly AllenA nurse on the cardiothoracic step-down unit. “Our strong contract ensures that patients are cared for by nurses who live and work in the community.”
Since 2012, NNOC has represented nurses at Saint Louis University Hospital.
The National Committee of Nurses Organizing is an affiliate of the National Nurses United, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing union and professional association for registered nurses, with approximately 225,000 members across the U.S. NNU affiliates also include the California Nurses Association, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.
