UVM Medical Center nurses call off strike, secure largest pay raise in union's history

Nurses at the University of Vermont Medical Center have called off their strike, union reps announced late July 3, after UVMMC management agreed to significant wage increases.

Nurses will now see their earnings rise by 23% over the next three years, “with an additional step added to the top of the step scale every year of the contract,” according to a press release from The Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, which represents UVMMC’s 1900 nurses.

“This is the largest wage increase nurses at UVMMC have seen in the 21-year history of the union, as well as the first time steps that reward longevity have been added to the top of the scale since the formation of the union,” the press release said.

On Tuesday, July 2, the nurse’s union announced their intention to strike for five days starting July 12 if UVMMC management failed to sign an equitable contract by then. Union members initially demanded a 40% wage increase over three years but lowered their demand to 25-29% by Tuesday. UVMMC’s best offer on Tuesday was a 14% increase, which management claims is actually a 20% increase when factoring in the 2% experienced-based raises as part of the center’s “step” program.

Union members will meet with UVMMC for a final bargaining session on July 8 to determine remaining contract details, after which members will vote on whether to ratify the contract.

Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com.