Nursing World | Press Release: DC Nurses Overwhelmingly Ratify Agreement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 1999

CONTACT: Valerie Tate, 202.244.2705

A news release from: DC Nurses Association (DCNA)

Howard University Nurses Overwhelmingly Ratify Agreement

Washington, DC - Tonight an agreement was overwhelmingly ratified by Howard University and Howard University Hospital registered nurses, pharmacists, registered dietitians and social workers represented by the DC Nurses Association (DCNA). The settlement includes important steps to eliminate chronic understaffing and forced overtime - - major issues for the professionals that directly impact safe patient care. It also provides for salary increases over each of the next three years. A major breakthrough came when management agreed to a joint staffing committee that will recommend and evaluate systems to determine the number of staff for safe quality care.

The new contract stops the abuse of forced overtime. The Hospital will no longer be able to routinely force already overworked staff to stay for extra shifts unless there is a true emergency.

Adding to current contract requirements that established a needlestick prevention program, new language guarantees movement to a latex safe environment that will protect patients as well as health care workers.

Compensation in the new contract provides across-the-board increases to base pay of 2% retroactive to July this year, a 3% raise in the second year, and a 2% raise in the third year. Initially management offered employees only a 1% bonus over three years.

Other improvements include bonuses for certification, recertification and an increase in the uniform allowance. For the first time, bargaining unit members will have access to dental services at HUH at a 35% discounted rate. The union stopped proposed take-backs in shift differentials and overtime pay.

DCNA members were on the picket line twelve hours and grew to 300-strong as nurses came off of extended shifts and joined their colleagues in a strong show of solidarity. END

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Howard University and Howard University Hospital health care professionals are represented by the DC Nurses Association (DCNA). DCNA is a constituent member of the American Nurses Association, the most influential national network of RNs: 180,000 registered nurses advocating for quality patient care. With 4,000 members locally, DCNA is the largest and most effective union for registered nurses and other health care professionals in the region.