- The Shands Nurses Union ratified a new three-year contract with UF Health Shands Hospital covering about 3,000 nurses with $18.3 million in wage improvements.
- The contract includes $3.3 million to keep health insurance premiums flat in 2027 and allows for new wage negotiations starting spring 2027.
Members of The Shands Nurses Union, Office and Professional International Union (OPEIU) Local 713/Florida Nurses Association voted Thursday to ratify a new three-year contract with UF Health Shands Hospital that will cover roughly 3,000 registered nurses (RNs).
The agreement, bargained over five days, covers 2,952 bedside RNs and provides $18.3 million in wage and other compensation improvements, according to a press release. Additionally, the contract also includes $3.3 million to ensure there are no increases in employee health insurance premiums in 2027.
“This agreement delivers meaningful improvements for the nurses we represent and builds on the strong foundation they have established over the years,” said Marsha Martin, president of The Shands Nurses Union, in the release. “Today’s ratification is a testament to what nurses can accomplish when they stand together.”
The release said The Shands Nurses Union’s membership doubled during the bargaining process. Therefore, nurses will receive hourly wage increases ranging from $1 to $4, as well as annual merit-based wage increases, averaging 3.8%.
Nurses also executed a wage re-opener clause in the contract, allowing for new negotiations to start in spring 2027, the release said.
In addition to pay increases, the release said the agreement strengthens grievance procedures and reinforces nurses’ voice in workplace issues.
“While our work is never finished, this contract positions us to achieve even more in the future,” Martin said. “As we continue to grow our membership and strengthen our union, we will be even better positioned to advocate for our profession, our patients and every nurse we represent.”