August 27 Update

Dear Nurses,

We resumed negotiations with the California Nurses Association (CNA) on August 27. During the session, the union provided us with a comprehensive counterproposal on economics. Although we had hoped to see more movement in the union’s economic counterproposal, we appreciate the productive discussions and look forward to continuing our momentum at our next session. In addition, the teams were able to reach another tentative agreement (Article 22 – Reduction in Force).

Contract Extension and Specialty Pay Pilot Program

The parties agreed to extend the current contract until September 30, 2026. In addition, as we’ve shared, we fully recognize the sunsetting of the specialty pay pilot program represents an impact for some of our nurses. We are committed to working with the union to help address this issue, and we’ve agreed to extend the pilot program until September 30 while the parties continue our important discussions.

Our next sessions are scheduled for September 10 and September 21, and we remain committed to reaching an agreement which we are all proud of.

Thank you for the dedication, professionalism and care you provide to our patients every day. We greatly appreciate you.

With appreciation,

Colleen Wilcoxen, RN, MSN
Chief Nursing Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital
Robert “Robbie” Shappley
Chief Operating Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital

August 21 Update

Dear Nurses,

We resumed negotiations with the California Nurses Association (CNA) on August 21. We appreciate the ongoing dialogue and remain committed to bargaining in good faith as we work together toward an agreement.


Proposals Exchanged Today

We provided counterproposals on the following:

  • Article 9 – Association Access
  • Article 10 – Nurse Representatives
  • Article 11 – Bulletin Boards
  • Article 27 – Call-Off/Flex Off
  • Article 29 – Vacation Scheduling
  • Article 20 – Scheduling
  • Article 26 – PPC

The union submitted one counter proposal:

  • Article 22 – Reduction in Force


Expiration of Pilot Program Agreement

Even though this program was originally designed as a temporary short-term pilot differential, we know the sunset of the specialty pay pilot program represents an impact for some of our nurses. We fully recognize your concerns and are committed to providing ALL nurses with a competitive pay structure. We are actively working with the union through the negotiation process to help address this issue.

As negotiations continue, it is important to remember we are still in the early stages of bargaining over economics:

  • Our team has presented our initial economic proposal.
  • The proposal is designed to promote greater equity across all RN classifications and support a fair approach for all nurses in the bargaining unit.
  • Our initial proposal would provide an average total wage increase of 16.62% over the four-year contract.
  • We have proposed new certification pay for eligible RNs, including:
    • Full-time RNs: $500 for initial certification and $250 for recertification
    • Part-time RNs: $300 for initial certification and $125 for recertification


Importantly… We are investing in our RNs!

The full value of our initial economic proposal already exceeds the value of the existing contract.

Our next sessions are scheduled for August 27 and September 10. We look forward to continuing these important discussions and making further progress. We remain committed to our nurses and to working with CNA toward a fair and equitable agreement.

As always, thank you for your ongoing commitment to USC Arcadia Hospital and the high-quality care you provide to our patients.

With appreciation,

Colleen Wilcoxen, RN, MSN
Chief Nursing Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital
Robert “Robbie” Shappley
Chief Operating Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital

August 11 Update

Dear Nurses,

We resumed negotiations with the California Nurses Association (CNA) on August 11 and appreciated the respectful and collaborative discussion at the table. During the session, we provided our initial economic package proposal, which includes multiple proposals emphasizing equitable pay components for all nurses. We are fully committed to providing our nurses with a competitive pay structure that supports you and your career with us. Please keep in mind that, just like the union’s opening proposals on economic issues, our initial economic proposals represent a starting point to facilitate further discussion with the union on this important topic.

Initial Economic Package Proposal Highlights

  • An average total wage increase of 16.62% over the four-year contract
    • 3.74% average increase after ratification
    • 4.15% average increase after July 1, 2027
    • 4.06% average increase after July 1, 2028
    • 3.74% average increase after July 1, 2029
  • NEW – Certification Pay for eligible RNs
    • Full-time RN
      • $500 for initial certification
      • $250 for re-certification
    • Part-time RN
      • $300 for initial certification
      • $125 for re-certification
    • Increase Preceptor Pay from $2.00 to $2.25

Our next sessions are scheduled for August 21, August 27, and September 10, and we look forward to continuing these important discussions and making further progress.  As always, thank you for your ongoing commitment to USC Arcadia Hospital and the high-quality care you provide to our patients.

With appreciation,

Colleen Wilcoxen, RN, MSN
Chief Nursing Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital
Robert “Robbie” Shappley
Chief Operating Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital

July 30 Update

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.

With appreciation,

Colleen Wilcoxen, RN, MSN
Chief Nursing Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital
Robert “Robbie” Shappley
Chief Operating Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital

July 15 Update

Dear Nurses,

We resumed negotiations with the California Nurses Association (CNA) on July 15. The teams continued their positive momentum from the previous session with 5 new tentative agreements.

Tentative Agreements Reached

  • Article 6 – Association Leave
  • Article 15 – Seniority
  • Article 17 – Probationary Period
  • Article 35 – General Provisions
  • Article 40 – Uniforms


Our team also provided CNA with counterproposals on 8 additional articles, and we look forward to continuing negotiations at our next session on July 30. The parties also have bargaining sessions scheduled for August 11 and August 27 as discussions continue.

As always, please continue to visit arcadiacnanegotiations.com for the most current information and updates from the bargaining table.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to USC Arcadia Hospital and the high quality care you provide to our patients.

With appreciation,

Colleen Wilcoxen, RN, MSN
Chief Nursing Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital
Robert “Robbie” Shappley
Chief Operating Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital

June 16 Update

Dear Nurses,

We resumed negotiations with the California Nurses Association (CNA) on June 16. We are pleased to report we had a very productive day as the teams reached 12 new tentative agreements.

Tentative Agreements Reached

  • Article 1 – Recognition
  • Article 2 – Bargaining Unit Integrity
  • Article 3 – Association Security
  • Article 5 – New RN Orientation
  • Article 7 – Employment Categories
  • Article 12 – Grievance Procedure
  • Article 13 – Savings Severability
  • Article 14 – Change of Ownership
  • Article 23 – Leave of Absence
  • Article 25 – RN Response Network
  • Article 33 – Management Responsibilities
  • Article 36 – Performance Evaluations

 

In addition, CNA provided our team with their remaining economic proposals and confirmed all their initial proposals have been shared at the table. Our team is currently reviewing these proposals, and we look forward to continuing these important discussions and building on our positive momentum at our future sessions.

Our next session is July 15, and we will share another update at that time. We also encourage to visit arcadiacnanegotiations.com for the most current information and updates from the bargaining table.

With appreciation,

Colleen Wilcoxen, RN, MSN
Chief Nursing Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital
Robert “Robbie” Shappley
Chief Operating Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital

June 5 Update

Dear Nurses,

We resumed negotiations with the California Nurses Association (CNA) on June 5 and are encouraged by the continued positive momentum between the teams. The parties have also mutually agreed to extend the current contract through July 31, 2026, have agreed to an additional bargaining session for July 30, and are working to schedule additional dates.

Tentative Agreements Reached

  • Article 4 – No Discrimination and Harassment
  • Article 8 – Subcontracting


Arcadia Counterproposals

  • Article 4 – No Discrimination and Harassment
  • Article 8 – Subcontracting
  • Article 12 – Grievance Procedure
  • Article 24 – Technology
  • Article 39 – Health and Safety


CNA Proposals and Counterproposals

  • Article 12 – Grievance Procedure
  • Article 21 – Hours of Work
  • Article 32 – Meal and Rest Periods


Our next session is set for June 16, and we will share another update at that time. We also encourage you to visit arcadiacnanegotiations.com for the most current information and updates from the bargaining table.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to USC Arcadia Hospital and the high quality care you provide to our patients.

With appreciation,

Colleen Wilcoxen, RN, MSN
Chief Nursing Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital
Robert “Robbie” Shappley
Chief Operating Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital

May 28 Update

Dear Nurses,

On May 28, we resumed negotiations with the California Nurses Association (CNA) and appreciated the respectful and collaborative dialogue at the table. Overall, it was a productive day with the parties reaching our first tentative agreement and exchanging multiple proposals:

Tentative Agreement

  • Article 16 – Filling of Vacancies

 
Arcadia Counterproposals

  • Article 16 – Filling of Vacancies – TA Reached
  • Article 34 – Work Stoppage


CNA Proposals

  • Article 4 – No Discrimination and Harassment
  • Article 8 – Subcontracting
  • Article 12 – Grievance Procedure
  • Article 20 – Schedules
  • Article 24 – Technology
  • Article 26 – PPC
  • Article 39 – Health and Safety
  • NEW Appendix – Resource Nurses


Our next bargaining session is scheduled for June 5, and we look forward to continuing this positive momentum as discussions move forward.

Please visit our negotiations website, arcadiacnanegotiations.com, for the latest facts and information on what is happening at the bargaining table.

Thank you for the dedication, care and professionalism you provide to our patients every day, we greatly appreciate you.

With appreciation,

Colleen Wilcoxen, RN, MSN
Chief Nursing Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital
Robert “Robbie” Shappley
Chief Operating Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital

May 12 Update

Dear Nurses,

On May 12, we began formal contract talks with the California Nurses Association (CNA) – the first step toward the goal of reaching an agreement on a new contract. During the initial session, the bargaining teams expressed their mutual goal of working together collaboratively to reach a fair and reasonable contract in an efficient manner. CNA also presented two non-economic proposals, which we will review and discuss at future session:

  • Article 16 – Filling of Vacancies
  • Article 34 – Uninterrupted Patient Care

As we continue through this process, please be sure to check out our negotiation website, arcadiacnanegotiations.com. This site will be regularly updated with the latest facts and information on what is happening at the bargaining table.

Our next bargaining sessions are scheduled for May 28, June 5 and June 16. We’ll provide you with an update after each session, and we look forward to keeping you updated throughout this process.

With appreciation,

Colleen Wilcoxen, RN, MSN
Chief Nursing Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital
Robert “Robbie” Shappley
Chief Operating Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital

April 29 Update

Dear Nurses,

As we look ahead to the start of upcoming contract negotiations with the California Nurses Association (CNA) on May 12, we want to share our sincere appreciation for you and all you do to provide compassionate care for our patients.

We are committed to working together with CNA and your peer representatives in good faith to reach an agreement that supports you and your profession, advances nursing practice, and enables us to continue delivering safe, high‑quality care to the patients and communities we are privileged to serve.

Also, new this year, we will have a dedicated negotiation website where you can find the latest facts and information on what’s happening at the bargaining table, view the negotiation calendar, and ask questions. We’ll provide the link to the site after our first session.

Thank you again, and we look forward to beginning this process and keeping you updated along the way.

With appreciation,

Colleen Wilcoxen, RN, MSN
Chief Nursing Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital
Robert “Robbie” Shappley
Chief Operating Officer
USC Arcadia Hospital