More than 500 caregivers at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance have ratified their first union contract, which includes an average 17 percent wage increase, along with numerous benefits and workplace improvements.
The bargaining unit — comprising nursing assistants, housekeepers, phlebotomists, and unit secretaries — joined NUHW in December 2024, following the lead of their colleagues at nearby Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro. Over a year of grueling negotiations followed. Providence initially proposed minimal wage increases that lagged behind inflation and stalled on committing to California’s new $25-per-hour minimum wage for large healthcare systems. However, after months of sustained pressure from workers, both sides reached a tentative agreement this month.
The three-year contract provides them with an experience-based wage scale that will result in significant increases over the life of the agreement, protects their existing retirement and vacation benefits, and puts a cap on health insurance premium increases.
“This new contract is a huge victory for us,” said Prinestly Zapatero, a nursing assistant. “This will help my family and me, especially now that everything costs more.”
The agreement also includes:
- A subcontracting ban.
- A three-step grievance procedure to resolve issues.
- Just-cause standards for discipline and discharges
- A process to convert part-time and per diem workers to full-time employees.
- The creation of a labor-management committee to discuss ways to improve patient care, staff health and safety, and worker retention.
There are also clear processes for leaves of absence, vacation scheduling, holiday pay, and up to $5,250 per year in education benefits for eligible workers pursuing certifications and undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
“I’m very happy with the wage increases and all the other benefits we won,” Zapatero added. “It was a tough fight to get the contract, but it shows that workers can stand together and win.”
