UVM Medical Center nurses call off strike after collective bargaining agreement

Nurses can now look forward to a 23% pay increase over the next three years, “with an additional pay step added to the upper end of the pay scale each contract year,” according to a press release from the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, which represents UVMMC’s 1,900 nurses.

“This is the largest pay increase UVMMC nurses have seen in the union’s 21-year history. It also marks the first time since the union was formed that tiers have been added to the top end of the pay scale to reward long-term service,” the press release said.

On Tuesday, July 2, the nurses’ union announced its intention to strike for five days beginning July 12 if UVMMC management does not sign a fair contract by then. Union members initially demanded a 40% pay increase over three years, but by Tuesday had lowered their demand to 25-29%. UVMMC’s best offer on Tuesday was a 14% increase. Management says that’s actually a 20% increase when you include the 2% experience-based increases under the center’s “step-up program.”