Members in New York’s Hudson Valley ratified a contract with Columbia Memorial Hospital in early February which will include a 22.25 percent across the-board raise for more than 750 union members over the four years of the contract. 1199ers also won a new minimum rate for union workers at the hospital of $18 per hour, improved STEP increases for key job titles, and higher employer contributions to health insurance costs.

The new contract came after a year of contentious bargaining.

“Despite any disappointment with CMH’s lack of appreciation for our hard work and sacrifice over the years, 1199SEIU members will continue to provide the best possible care to our patients,” said Robin Johnson, an 1199 operating room RN with 35 years at CMH. “We have something to build on–but we have a long way to go.”