Registered nurses at Dameron Hospital in Stockton, Calif., voted 97.6 percent in favor of ratifying a new two-year contract on Sept. 15, winning protections to improve patient safety and nurse retention announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU).

“This successor contract is a victory for patients and for union nurses,” said Cindy Raebel, a resource RN and a member of the bargaining team at Dameron Hospital. “We are proud that we fought for an agreement that includes provisions for health and safety protections, safe staffing, and competitive compensation which is essential for safe patient care and for recruiting and retaining nurses.”

Highlights of the contract include:

• Safe staffing: Expansion of safe staffing language with a new staffing committee comprised of direct-care nurses.
• Workplace violence prevention: Stronger language that enhances workplace violence protections and accountability in the workplace.
• Economic gains and benefits to retain experienced nurses: Wage increases of 19 percent throughout the term of the agreement.

The new contract covers the period Sept. 16, 2023 to Sept. 15, 2025.

"Our members are very pleased with the new agreement," said Daniel Pal-Freeman, ICU registered nurse and bargaining team member at Dameron Hospital. " With this contract, we can provide our patients with the excellent care that our community deserves."

CNA represents nearly 160 nurses at Dameron Hospital.

California Nurses Association/National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation with 100,000 members in more than 200 facilities throughout California and nearly 225,000 RNs nationwide.