NUHW Members Celebrate First Contracts with Significant Pay Raises

Victory for NUHW Members: Securing First Contracts After Lengthy Negotiations

After over a year of negotiations, pharmacists at MarinHealth Medical Center and NaphCare employees at Santa Cruz County Jail have successfully secured their inaugural contracts as members of the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW).

Twenty-one pharmacists achieved a remarkable wage increase of $24.20 per hour, marking a significant victory after the National Labor Relations Board affirmed their eligibility for union membership.

The newly established contract not only enhances benefits but also provides job protections for pharmacists, who will now be incorporated into the existing contract of the pharmacy technicians at the 327-bed district hospital.

“Everyone is happy with the outcome,” expressed pharmacist Scott Grigsby. “It was a longer, more complicated struggle than we anticipated, but it was absolutely worth the effort.”

NaphCare Advances

At Santa Cruz County Jail, 60 nurses and mental health providers employed by NaphCare will receive a 13% salary increase over the next three years. Negotiations faced hurdles after the county transitioned the contract from Wellpath to NaphCare in November 2024, yet the workers remained steadfast.

Beyond guaranteed pay raises, these employees have also secured:

• Additional pay for weekend and other shift work
• Extra compensation for nurses providing guidance and training to peers
• Assurances that health insurance premiums will not rise during the contract term
• A grievance process for disputing unfair discipline

“After nearly three years and a change in companies, we have secured a contract for ourselves and future staff for the coming years,” stated Talley Kennedy, a discharge planner at NaphCare.