Service Employees International Union 1199NW has ratified a new contract with Logan Health, which union representatives say raises wages by 20% over the next two years, including 11.5% upon ratification.

The contract sets pay and benefits for 600 nurses at Logan Health. Union officials described the 11.5% bump in wages as one of the largest one-time raises for Montana nurses in recent history.

“We have faced severe staffing shortages in the wake of the pandemic and were behind the rest of the state in terms of wages,” said Cindy Hinzman, a nurse and member of the bargaining team, in a statement. “We persevered and came together to win a contract that will allow us to recruit and retain nurses from around the state and nation.”

In addition to the immediate wage boost, raises of 4% and 3.5% are scheduled to go into effect in July 2024 and July 2025, respectively. Nurses also won increases to differentials and premiums, including $6 per hour on-call pay for all surgical services nurses, new protections against increases in health insurance costs, expanded preceptor pay, credit for past experience and strengthened language to allow union delegates and organizers access to hospital facilities.

The contract agreement was made ahead of Logan Health’s integration with Billings Clinic, which is set to become official on Sept. 1. The union's new contract protects the agreement in the event of a merger with another hospital system.

Union officials said in the release the agreement at Logan Health marks a strong commitment to recruiting and retaining local, experienced health care workers in the Flathead Valley to better care for the communities, instead of relying on expensive temporary contracts for traveler staff.

The nurses believe that the new contract addresses several of the major issues that contribute to short-staffing. The contract expires in July 2026.

Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at 406-758-4433 or by emailing tinman@dailyinterlake.com.