HUH nurses win new contract after marathon bargaining

​The DC Nurse’s Association and Howard University Hospital reached agreement on a new contract after marathon bargaining sessions in late October. The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by the DCNA/HU-HUH membership of approximately 400 nurses, dietitians, pharmacists and social workers. The contract “has financial gains for every one of our members and importantly, we were able to ensure fair working conditions,” said Eileen Shaw (4th from left), chairperson of the DCNA/HU-HUH bargaining unit. Average base salary for DCNA members will increase by 11.75% over the 3-year contract, and DCNA also succeeded in making the hospital’s attendance policy less punitive and more flexible. The union’s membership demonstrated solidarity by signing a petition on the attendance policy, wearing t-shirts in non-patient care areas and coming to the DCNA office to voice concerns.

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