Rhode Island Nurses Ratify New Three-Year Contract

Categories: Rhode Island Business NewsRhode Island News

Healthcare workers at Rhode Island Hospital demonstrate their commitment to patient care and safety.

News Summary

Nurses and healthcare workers at Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital have approved a new three-year contract following extensive negotiations. The agreement, ratified by approximately 2,500 members of United Nurses and Allied Professionals, includes wage increases, a lump-sum bonus, enhanced job security, and stronger employee safety regulations. The contract, effective until March 31, 2028, addresses key issues impacting the nursing workforce, showcasing the efforts of organized labor in securing fair working conditions and compensation in the healthcare sector.

Rhode Island Nurses Approve New Contract After Lengthy Negotiations

Nurses and health care workers at Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital have ratified a new three-year contract with Brown University Health following extensive negotiations. The vote took place on Thursday and was conducted by members of United Nurses and Allied Professionals (UNAP) Local 5098, which represents approximately 2,500 workers.

The previous contract expired on March 31, 2025, and the newly approved contract will now remain in effect until March 31, 2028. Negotiations began in January and consisted of a total of 30 sessions, which resulted in an agreement that addresses several critical issues impacting the nursing workforce.

Key Features of the New Contract

The newly ratified contract includes noteworthy provisions such as wage increases, a lump-sum bonus, enhanced job security, and stronger regulations related to employee safety. Additionally, it encompasses measures to combat workplace violence, reflecting the union’s commitment to creating a safer working environment for all staff.

Union leadership expressed satisfaction with the agreement, especially following earlier negotiations that had become stalled. In June, the union authorized a strike as negotiations reached an impasse over what Brown Health characterized as their “last, best, and final” offer. However, rather than proceeding with the strike, both parties reached a memorandum of understanding on July 3, which led to the successful ratification vote.

Financial Implications

The financial package outlined in the new contract totals $50 million over the duration of three years. It includes provisions for market-competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, and additional benefits designed to provide greater support for health care workers in the state.

Response from Hospital Administration

Hospital administration, including key figures like the chief of hospital operations, expressed contentment with the agreement, emphasizing its importance in supporting caregivers, improving patient care, and strengthening hospital services overall. This sentiment underscores the collaborative effort by both parties to address the needs and concerns raised during negotiations.

Context of Organized Labor in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has a significant presence of organized labor in the health care sector, with approximately 15,000 unionized health care workers across the state. This contract approval illustrates the ongoing efforts of health care professionals to secure fair working conditions and compensation in a challenging industry.

In summary, the new contract for nurses and health care workers at Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital marks a critical achievement for organized labor, successfully addressing key issues of compensation, safety, and job security for its members. The collective efforts from both the union and hospital administration represent a commitment to both the workforce and the quality of care provided to patients in the state.