Butler Memorial Hospital Nurses Ratify New Three-Year Contract

BUTLER, PA, April 15, 2022 -- Yesterday, more than 400 registered nurses ratified a new, 3-year agreement between Butler Memorial Hospital (BMH) and Pennsylvania Independent Nurses, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP). The agreement includes significant provisions for nurse retention, including wage increases, benefit enhancements and the establishment of a new weekend program for RNs.

“We’re proud to work at a hospital that truly invests in high-quality nursing care and respects the skill and commitment of its nursing staff and the excellent care we provide to our community,” said Tammy May, a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit and president of the nurses’ local union. “This contract reinforces the strong relationship we have with leadership at Butler Memorial Hospital and will ensure that nurses will look to Butler as the best place to practice our profession.”

“More than two years into a pandemic that has stressed health systems across the country and has challenged the market regionally and nationally for staff, this contract prioritizes excellence in patient care and acknowledges the tremendous contribution of frontline caregivers,” said Shannon Herrington, a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit and Vice President of the nurses’ local union.

“The last few years have presented many challenges, this agreement maintains our commitment to employees,” said BMH Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Karen Allen. “We have maintained our position as a leader in the market with respect to pay and benefits and demonstrated our unwavering commitment to our staff and the important work they do.”

Ken DeFurio, Butler Health System President and CEO added, “Nurses throughout the country and in our community have faced daunting challenges and cared for patients through an unprecedented and difficult time. We are pleased that we have reached an agreement that reflects their commitment and dedication to care.”

Contract highlights include:

•  Innovative strategies that address retention and recruitment to positively position the BMH for the future.
•  Enhanced employee benefit changes, including a weekend program, designed to aid and enhance staff recruitment and retention.
• Market-competitive average wage increases over the life of the contract.

The new agreement is effective April 17, 2022 and remains in effect until April 16, 2025.