Strong participation at the bargaining table and a clear readiness to strike helped NUHW members who provide healthcare services inside the Stanislaus County Jail secure a three-year contract with 4 percent annual wage increases, an extra holiday, and more paid time off.
“People are really happy with this contract,” said Josephine Garcia, a licensed vocational nurse who has worked at the jail for 14 years and was part of the bargaining committee. “We got a lot of thank yous for our hard work, but this was the work of everyone staying united and being ready to strike if necessary.”
In a show of unity and strength, three-quarters of the 106 nurses, mental health professionals, and clerical workers employed by private equity firm Wellpath attended negotiation sessions. The workers voted 97 percent to authorize a strike. The company, which would have to find replacement workers with clearance to work inside the jail, offered a settlement soon after that.
“We had a lot of the workers come into the meeting, which helped a lot,” Garcia said. “It showed the company that we were strong and not backing down.”
In addition to 4 percent annual raises, the contract includes:
- New wage steps at 12, 18, and 20 years of service
- Stronger job protections against termination and discipline
- Limits on mandatory overtime
- The addition of Juneteenth as a paid holiday and higher vacation caps
- A 7 percent cap on healthcare cost increases
Shortly after Stanislaus workers agreed to terms, NUHW members who work for Wellpath at the Sonoma County Jail reached a tentative agreement that mirrored the Stanislaus contract. Negotiations are continuing for NUHW members who work for Wellpath at Lake County Jail.
Garcia said she’s proud of the contract achieved.
“The economic part was great; we got more steps, more PTO, another holiday, but I’m most proud of what we got in the non-economic provisions,” she said. “We have more protections in place for our workers.”
