A year after the first negotiations, Whidbey General Hospital and the nurses’ union ratified a new agreement March 4.

The three-year contract is in effect until April of 2019. It includes a total 7.5 percent bump in base wages over the life of the contract; a premium pay increase for registered nurses who perform certain tasks above and beyond their routine duties or who have completed their Master’s of Science in Nursing; and an increase in standby pay for registered nurses when they are on call.

The agreement covers 163 registered nurses who work at the hospital and at outpatient clinics.

The bargaining process took just under a year, which is not unusual in this region for complex negotiations of this type, according to a prepared statement from the hospital.

Sticking points during negotiations included concerns about rest breaks, pay and training, according to the union.

The length of time was influenced in part by recent changes in state and federal laws that impact organizational policies and employee benefit programs, according to the hospital.

“We are extremely proud of our registered nurses for the dedicated and compassionate care they provide every day,” says CEO Geri Forbes. “We believe this agreement is positive for Whidbey General, our nurses and for the community we are all committed to serving.”