Press Release
Houlton Regional Hospital nurses ratify new contract with strong measures to improve patient safety and nurse retention
![Group of four nurses inside hospital wearing stickers in support of safe staffing](/sites/default/files/nnu/graphics/hero/0422_Houlton_Hero.jpg)
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.