Union Contract Approved: CVMC Support Staff Make History with First Agreement

The support staff at Central Vermont Medical Center approved their initial union contract on Friday.

The updated agreement increases pay by approximately 27% on average throughout the three-year deal and sets a beginning wage of $21 per hour for support roles within the UVM Health Network.

The support staff, who chose to form a union earlier this year, will become part of Central Vermont Healthcare United, an organization that currently includes 500 nurses and technical personnel.

Jeanne Silva, who works as a cleaner, stated that support staff are typically among the lowest-paid employees and "frequently receive poor treatment" within the healthcare sector.

We are the initial individuals you encounter—at the reception area, in patient rooms, and assisting family members in the cafeteria," she stated. "Nevertheless, many of us find it challenging to afford essentials like groceries, rent, and utility bills.

According to the union, the agreement includes provisions for compensated leave following assaults on employees during their shifts, enhances job stability, and "establishes the groundwork for more secure staffing levels."

Amanda Mills-Brown, the Union President and an experienced nurse, stated, "We are delighted to include the support staff, whom we collaborate with every day, into our union. Together, we'll become stronger and undoubtedly keep enhancing our hospital as both a superior workplace and healthcare provider."

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