For Immediate Release
Contact: Lori Bassani, 808-348-9595
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(Honolulu)-The Hawai'i Nurses' Association (HNA), the union representing more than 500 nursing professionals at Kapiolani Medical Center, announced the ratification of a tentative agreement. "An overwhelming majority of our members at Kapiolani voted to ratify the tentative agreement," said Patt A. Gibbs, HNA Executive Director. "The bargaining team was able to achieve many important financial benefits for its members ranging from annual wage increases to no-cost long term disability insurance benefits," said Gibbs. The ratification vote took place on December 3, 2008 and the new contract will expire November 30, 2011.

Highlights of the tentative agreement include:

• 4% annual pay increases for the duration of the agreement.
• Increase in Resource Team Differentials from $2 to $4 to increase the Resource Team Pool.
• On November 1st the next 3 years, a $1000 annual bonus will be paid to certified nurses for each authorized certification obtained annually. (Not extended to Per Diem or Part Time Quarterly employees.)
• On November 1st for the next 3 years, nurses receive a $500 annual bonus for 15 continuing education Units obtained annually. (Not extended to Per Diem or Part Time Quarterly employees.)
• Long term disability insurance benefits extended to all members at no cost.
• Health/Dental increase of approximately 15% per year.
• A service recognition bonus available to all members who meet the criteria.

HNA represents more than 500 Registered Nurses at the Kapiolani Medical Center. It was founded in 1917 and is the largest union representing Hawaii's private sector RN's. HNA is affiliated with the United American Nurses, an AFL-CIO affiliate.