Hospital, union to sign contract

The union representing support staff and medical technology workers has reached a tentative contract agreement with UW Hospital and Clinics, both parties announced Feb. 8.

The two-year tentative agreement — covering July 2, 2000 to June 30, 2002 — was reached in late January after several months of negotiation between hospital representatives and Local 1942 of the Wisconsin State Employees Unions.

About 1,800 union members covered by the contract will hold a ratification vote in mid-February.

“We are very pleased with the terms of the contract, and thepositive negotiating environment both sides were able to maintain during this process,” says WSEU director Marty Beil.

He says the contract contains competitive wage increases, positive job reclassifications, numerous language changes and incentives to retain experienced workers.

“This contract will help UW Hospital compete effectively in a very tight labor market,” says hospital chief executive officer Donna Sollenberger. “We are grateful for the hard work and good faith of both bargaining teams.”

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

This is the second collective bargaining agreement reached between the parties since the public authority was established.