FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Dec. 15, 2023
Contact: Anna Sterling | press@nysna.org | 646-673-0419
Kristi Barnes | press@nysna.org | 646-853-4489
NYSNA MEMBERS RATIFY NEW CONTRACT WITH CHAMPLAIN VALLEY PHYSICIANS HOSPITAL
94% of NYSNA Nurses and Healthcare Professionals at CVPH Vote to Ratify Contract
Contract Preserves Healthcare Benefit Fund, Provides Respectable Wage Increases
Plattsburgh, N.Y.—On Thursday evening, Dec. 14, New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) healthcare professionals at UVM-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) overwhelmingly ratified a new contract with 94% voting in favor of ratification.
The new two-year contract maintains the current healthcare benefit plan at no extra cost and includes substantial wage increases. Within 13 months, healthcare professionals will see a total 12% wage increase including a 4% boost scheduled for the first full pay period in January 2024, followed by an additional 3% increase in July 2024. In January 2025, an additional 5% wage increase further recognizes the invaluable contributions of CVPH healthcare professionals.
The contract includes an increase in pay scale for on call and in charge workers. The respectful wage increases will help the hospital recruit and retain enough healthcare professionals for safe, quality patient care. The new contract will expire December 31, 2025.
NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN, said: “Congratulations to our CVPH nurses and healthcare professionals who ratified a new contract on time! After nearly two years of negotiations with the previous contract negotiations, the swiftness of this agreement reflects the strength of the foundation that nurses there are building centered on quality patient care.”
Vicki Davis-Courson, RN, a nurse for nearly 20 years at CVPH, said: “After nearly two years of negotiations with our previous contract, the fact that we came to an agreement prior to expiration is a testament to NYSNA’s commitment to quality care and improved working conditions for all frontline healthcare professionals. This agreement reflects the commitment of both CVPH and NYSNA members to fostering a positive and supportive working environment, ensuring that CVPH remains a leader in providing exceptional patient care.”
Northeast Central Labor Council President Michele Bushey said: "The Northeast Central Labor Council congratulates NYSNA nurses at CVPH for their contract ratification. We are grateful for their dedication to patient care and safe staffing in our region. The NECLC always stand with solidarity with all labor in the north country.
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