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Santa Fe Hospital Union Agrees To New Contract

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A union that represents hundreds of nurses and medical technicians at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe has overwhelmingly ratified a new, three-year labor contract.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reportsthat Saturday's vote brings an end to months of heated negotiations.

The agreement includes a minimum staffing level beginning Jan. 1, making St. Vincent the first New Mexico hospital to enact such a standard. Under the contract, the hospital faces monetary penalties if it doesn't abide by the staffing standards.

The contract also calls for up to 8.5 percent in pay raises and a greater voice for nurses when they're concerned about patient care or staffing.

Both sides also agreed to drop complaints against each other filed with the National Labor Relations Board.