Status of Negotiations

While we have reached tentative agreements on 14 issues in bargaining, wages remain a key issue. The current total compensation package 91´óÉñ nurses receive is at the top of the market locally and nationally, including:

• A guaranteed 5% annual increase for their first 20 years through the step scale
• A recent additional 3% increase in October 2025 for all nurses
• An additional increase of 2.5% for experienced nurses at the top step of the scale – and therefore at the max – on top of the 3% resulting in a 5.5% total increase in October 2025

The union is seeking 15% across-the-board increases over 1.5 years, in addition to the guaranteed 5%, along with a new top step that is 5% higher for experienced nurses, and other economic proposals. Combined the union’s proposal would provide 20% increases annually to nurses on steps and 20% to those at the top scale, exceeding $143 million in additional nursing labor costs.  

Recent past contracts have included additional across-the-board increases on top of the step-scale to respond to market conditions at the time. However, continuing that pattern in every contract cycle is not financially sustainable, especially when current wage market data does not support another across-the-board increase. We remain fully committed to retaining our nurses and have been encouraged by recent staffing trends which have stabilized the 91´óÉñ nursing workforce significantly.

Our Proposal

We believe our offer recognizes our 91´óÉñ nurses and their essential contributions as valued members of our care teams, while also considering their position at the top of the current market and balancing our responsibility to ensure long-term sustainability by investing fairly and equitably in all roles across our system. Our proposal ensures:

• Every nurse receives a meaningful wage increase either through the guaranteed 5% annual step increase or a top-of-scale increase for experienced nurses who are already at the maximum  
• Continued investment in shift differentials, professional development, and other supports and continuity of generous health benefits  

We remain committed to bargaining in good faith for a fair contract for our 91´óÉñ nurses and have upcoming sessions scheduled on May 6 and 12.

We will continue to keep you updated as negotiations progress over the coming weeks. We will share more materials designed to educate and inform you on our position. Please let us know if you have questions.