Hospital union ratifies new contract

Members of the union representing support staff and certain health technology workers have voted to approve a contract agreement with UW Hospital and Clinics.

The contract was ratified, 465-163, March 13. The tentative contract was reached in late January between Local 1942 of the Wisconsin State Employees Union and UW Hospital.

Workers represented by the union will receive a general wage increase of 4.25 percent on July 1 as well as a 2 percent pay increase retroactive to July 2, 2000 (the date on which the previous contract ended). All pay ranges will be increased by 1 percent, and night shift and weekend pay differentials will also increase.

WSEU, an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, represents hospital custodians, support staff and certain health care workers such as respiratory therapists and phlebotomists.

This is the second collective bargaining agreement reached between the parties since a public authority was created to oversee UW Hospital and Clinics. The contract covers the period July 2, 2000 to June 30, 2002.