Around 700 healthcare workers at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital ratified a new union contract in September, following nearly a year of negotiations. The members of 1199SEIU, included pharmacy technicians, unit service techs, dietary workers, mental health workers, and housekeepers, among other job titles. 

Under the new contract, members will receive one-time bonuses of up to $1,200 and a $1-per-hour across-the-board pay raise, with members placed on a new and improved wage scale that will help address recruitment and retention at the hospital. In the second and third years of the contract, eligible members will receive 2% pay raises and advance one step on the wage scale each year. Members will also be able to stack multiple shift differentials, such as when working on weekend nights. The new contract includes new protections for workers around temporary employees, subcontracting, and guaranteeing additional bargaining for AI changes. 

“1199SEIU members keep B&W Faulkner Hospital running every day with their essential work,” said Cari Medina, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “This contract recognizes our members’ dedication to their patients with higher wages that will help address the rising cost of living, and a new and improved pay scale that will help Faulkner attract and retain its essential workers.” 

“After a year of tough negotiations, reaching a new contract is a win,” said Sandra Guy, a Secretary at Faulkner Hospital. “I'm glad to see some of the things we've been advocating for have come to fruition. The wages and benefits show members that the hard work put in is worth it.” 

“The cost of living in Massachusetts has gotten very expensive. We feel it at the pumps and grocery stores,” said Dawn Patten, a resource specialist at Faulkner Hospital. “After almost a year in negotiations, we are thankful that MGB was able to respond in a positive way.”