Nearly 800 unionized nurses, technicians and other staff at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital have approved a new contract, the American Federation of Teachers and hospital administration jointly announced Monday evening.
The contract caps off several months of tensions at the hospital, where union workers were locked out in December after going on strike. They returned to work several weeks later without a contract.
Beyond a few elements disclosed Monday, details of the contract were largely kept secret, under an agreement between the two sides.
The union has agreed to withdraw all actions before the National Labor Relations Board related to the dispute.
An agreement was also reached over a disputed transfer of some work from several hospital facilities to local doctors’ offices, though details were not given.
“I believe both sides are gratified and encouraged to have this difficult period behind us,” L+M CEO Bruce D. Cummings said in a statement. “We have come together in a renewed spirit of unity and cooperation going forward.”
Lisa D’Abrosca, president of AFT Local 5049, said the deal is a blueprint for both sides to better their relationship.
Read more
