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As received from UP Health System and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union:
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Chapter of Local 226 and UP Health System – Portage today announced that they have reached an agreement on a new contract covering the hospital’s technical employees. The agreement was ratified in a vote by technical employees on Tuesday, January 10, and the new contract goes into effect today.
“We worked hard to make sure the contract provides a solid framework to recruit and retain the qualified healthcare professionals that UP Health System – Portage needs. It’s important all technical employees feel valued and supported to ensure the highest level of care is received at their hospital,” said Shawn Kitto, AFSCME representative. “We appreciate the team at UP Health System – Portage and our AFSCME representatives for all their hard work and collaboration during negotiations,” said Paul Stone, AFSCME chapter chair representative.
The three-year contract covers about 100 healthcare professionals at UP Health System – Portage represented by AFSCME and includes competitive wages to attract and retain healthcare professionals and a wage scale that rewards experience.
“Our technical employees play an incredibly vital role in the delivery of healthcare at our hospital, and we are pleased to have reached an agreement that meets the needs of our staff, the hospital and community,” said Ryan Heinonen, chief executive officer at UP Health System – Portage. “This agreement provides the tools we need to maintain our high standards of patient safety and quality, while further strengthening our culture of respect and gratitude within our team.”
