Registered nurses for SSM Health Saint Louis Hospital voted to ratify a new three-year contract after picketing and striking twice in 2023. “This new contract is a huge win for patients and nurses,” said Earline Shepard, RN in the cardiac catheterization lab at SLUH. “Tt was a long time coming but we finally won an agreement that will let us recruit and retain experienced nurses. With improved staffing, we can give our patients the care they deserve.” 

National Nurses Organizing Committee, whom has represented the nurses since 2012, and National Nurses United, announced the contract ratification that the nurses voted overwhelmingly in favor of. 

They say the highlights of the contract include:

  • Safe staffing provisions, including language that establishes a nurse staffing subcommittee elected by RNs that will work with the committee of elected nurses to review hospital policies, procedures, and staffing plans and make recommendations, which the chief nursing officer is required to review and respond
  • Health and safety language that addresses reporting workplace violence incidents and personal protective equipment standards
  • No contract takeaways
  • Economic gains and health benefit provisions to help retain and recruit experienced nurses, including an average wage increase of 17 percent over the life of the agreement with a maximum raise of 40 percent and retaining the current health insurance plan

“We are proud that through our collective action and solidarity, we were able to fight back against contract takeaways, keep our health insurance options, and ensure nurse input regarding staffing policies,” said Kellie Allen, RN in the cardio-thoracic step-down unit. “Our strong contract will ensure that our patients will be cared for by nurses who live and work in the community.”

The contract expires on July 27, 2027.