For Immediate Release: December 19, 2019

CONTACT: Hal Weiss, (213) 247-4585

_Pomona, California—_Registered Nurses at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new Union contract today, solidifying a tentative agreement reached with the hospital after four months of negotiations. The four-year contract includes important patient safety provisions over which the Nurses were prepared to strike.

“Nurses are tireless advocates for our patients, and we used our bargaining sessions to push for contract language that would positively impact the safety of our patients,” said Paul Mckeough, an RN who served on the Union’s bargaining team.

The agreement includes provisions that improve the safety of Nurses and patients, such as the implementation of a Workplace Violence Prevention program, as well as a prohibition on requiring RNs to perform duties in specialized areas where they are not adequately trained to work.

The agreement also calls for a plan to create a dedicated break relief Nurse, so that Nurses can take meal and rest breaks in accordance with the law. Multiple studies have shown linkages between an RN’s ability to take breaks and patient safety outcomes.

Additionally, Nurses negotiated improvements to their health insurance program. During negotiations, Nurses raised concerns about the limitations of their health insurance program, which resulted in some going into debt to pay for durable medical equipment, or certain therapies.

“This was hugely important, because Nurses should be treated with the same compassion that we give to our patients,” McKeough said.

The contract will take effect immediately.

SEIU Local 121RN represents registered nurses and other healthcare professionals in California. This member-led organization is committed to supporting optimum working conditions that allow nurses to provide quality patient care and safety