Registered nurses at Stanislaus County in Modesto, Calif., voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying a new three-year contract yesterday, winning protections to improve patient safety and nurse retention, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU).

Nurses say they are proud of their new contract, which addresses recruitment and retention issues, provides health and safety protections, and addresses inequity.

Highlights of the contract include:

• Improved nursing practice language that addresses caseloads for public health nurses and protections from performing duties beyond their scope of practice.
• New diversity and equity language, including a commitment to a workplace free from racism and discrimination.
• Improvements to health and safety protections for infectious diseases, including language to ensure nurses get the highest level of personal protective equipment.
• Meal- and rest-break language guaranteeing nurses receive state-mandated breaks.
• Wage increases that improve recruitment and retention of nurses.
• Economic gains to help retain and recruit experienced nurses, including no takeaways. for pensions or retiree health. The agreement includes wage increases over three years.

The new pact covers the period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027.

CNA represents nearly 100 nurses at Stanislaus County.

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.