Workers at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center ratified a new contract with management on October 8th by an overwhelming 93% majority.
“We are pleased to have an agreement that will move us forward, especially toward more affordable healthcare” said Melissa Costello, a histo lab tech at the hospital.
The 3-year contract provides wage increases of 1.75% the first year and 2% for the next two years, bringing the starting salary for all workers at the hospital to $15.17 by 2017. In addition, there will be a cap on insurance premiums hikes and any increases will be tied to actual rises in costs, evidenced by COBRA rate increases. Workers stood with serious medical conditions or injuries who are on long-term disability will also be able to stay on the insurance for six months. Management had initially proposed benefits would end after 90 days.
The nearly 300 SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania members at the hospital represent LPNs, nursing aides, and tech positions in the hospital.