Dear Nurses,
We resumed negotiations with the California Nurses Association (CNA) on July 30. The session was collaborative and productive with multiple counterproposals exchanged. The parties also discussed the impact of the end of the Pilot Nurse Recruitment and Retention Program (“Pilot Program Agreement”).
Pilot Program Agreement
As you may be aware, this program was implemented through an Agreement between CNA and the Hospital and provided an additional pay benefit that was integrated into the base rate of pay for certain eligible employees. This prior agreement was originally scheduled to sunset upon the expiration of that agreement on June 30, 2026.
However, the Hospital voluntarily extended the additional pay benefit beyond the original expiration date as a one-time measure in recognition of the importance of this issue and to provide the parties with additional time to explore potential options through the collective bargaining process. We understand and appreciate that this change may create uncertainty for employees. As a result, we want to make sure impacted staff are aware that the additional pay benefit provided in the Pilot Program Agreement will end effective August 31, 2026. Beginning September 1, 2026, employees should expect their base rate of pay to reflect the removal of the additional pay benefit and a return to the base rate that otherwise applies under the collective bargaining agreement.
While this Pilot Program Agreement is coming to an end, we recognize that compensation changes can have an impact on employees. We want to reassure you that the Hospital remains committed to working toward a resolution with CNA on this issue and other matters important to our employees as collective bargaining progresses.
Contract Extension
In addition, CNA agreed to another extension, which means the current contract will now not expire until August 31, 2026. Our next sessions are scheduled for August 11, August 21 and August 27 and we look forward to further collaboration with CNA towards an agreement that supports you and your profession.
Thank you for the dedication, care and professionalism you provide to our patients every day. We greatly appreciate you.