Registered nurses at Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley in Pleasanton, Calif. voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying a new three-year contract on Wednesday, October 9, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU). The contract secures key improvements for patient safety and nurse retention.

“Through our solidarity, nurses were able to secure a stronger contract that helps to prevent workplace violence and keep nurses and patients safe in the hospital,” said Arrielle Bouligny, RN in the ICU unit.

“Nurses have taken a big step in a positive direction toward addressing issues of patient safety at our hospital,” said Khadijah Abdul-Aleem, RN in the pre-operative unit. “With improvements like meal- and break-relief provisions, our new contract will help us better advocate for ourselves and for our patients.”

Highlights of the contract include:

• Strong workplace violence protections that give nurses a voice in addressing workplace violence and support following violent incidents.
• Safe staffing provisions, including meal- and break-relief for all units for the entire shift.
• Economic gains, including 18% gain in wages over the life of the contract, to help retain and recruit experienced nurses.

The new contract will be in effect until October 9, 2027. 

CNA/NNU represents more than 550 nurses at Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley.

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