P.M. BRIEFING : N.Y. Health Worker Strike Avoided
Negotiators broke a five-month deadlock and agreed on a tentative contract early today, averting a strike by 43,000 workers at more than 60 not-for-profit hospitals and nursing homes in the New York City area.
Representatives of Local 1199 of the Drug, Hospital and Health Care Employees Union said they expect the rank and file to ratify the three-year contract Thursday.
The union represents some of the lowest-paid workers in the health industry--nurses’ aides, laboratory technicians, X-ray technicians, orderlies, clerks and social workers. Weekly wages are generally $300 to $400.
The contract would grant raises of 7.5% the first and second years and 5% plus a $500 bonus the third year, said Dennis Rivera, union president. Employees also won a 3% boost in medical benefits.
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