HNA RNs from Fresenius Dialysis (Bio-Medical Applications of California) unanimously voted to approve a new three-year agreement effective February 1, 2010. "The new agreement reached with Fresenius Dialysis demonstrates HNA's continued strong record of delivering wage increases and improvements in working conditions for its members without giving concessions," said Patt A. Gibbs, Esq., Executive Director for the Hawai’i Nurses’ Association.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• Wage increases of 2.5% per year through 2013
• Maintained the 10-year $1.00 per hour longevity pay
• Maintaining the “no cap" benefits in medical and dental premiums paid by nurses (Employer pays up to 90%)
• Increase in the weeks of paid orientation provided by the Employer from (4) weeks to (8) weeks
• Bereavement leave benefits for immediate family members who are reciprocal beneficiaries
• Increase in timeline for grievance filing from (7) calendar days to (14) business days
• Strengthening of Union Security and Membership provisions
• Strengthening of Arbitration provisions

The new contract was ratified February 7, 2010 for an effective date of Feb. 1, 2010.

The HNA Fresenius negotiating team pictured from L to R (standing): Irene Pu’uohau, LRS, Patt A. Gibbs, Esq., Executive Director; Jeff Morgan, LRS; L to R (seated): Keith McCloskey, RN, Jessica Espresion, RN.

Pictured from L to R: HNA members Amy Inouye, RN, Keith McCloskey, RN and Jessica Espresion, RN, conducting the actual ba