Registered nurses at Houlton Regional Hospital (HRH) in Houlton, Maine voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying a new three-year contract last Thursday, winning protections to improve patient safety and nurse retention. The RNs are members of Maine State Nurses Association, an affiliate of National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United.

“This contract is an important tool in our ongoing efforts to address a number of challenges at HRH, including workplace violence and the loss of experienced nursing staff,” said RN Misty Porter, emergency department. “As nurses, we feel a duty to provide optimal care for our patients and this agreement guarantees measures that support this goal. It is a win for the entire community that depends on HRH for quality care.”

Highlights of the contract include:

• Improved workplace violence protections, including measures to protect nurses from assaults at work and ensure safety of patients, family members, and other staff.
• Improvements in staffing, including a guaranteed added shift in the emergency department.
• Economic gains to help retain and recruit experienced nurses, including 19-21 percent total wage increases over the life of the agreement.
• A guaranteed employer match of the retirement plan.

The new pact covers the period Dec. 1, 2021 - Nov. 30, 2024.

National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation, with more than 175,000 members nationwide.