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STATE COLLEGE -- Mount Nittany Medical Center and SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania have finalized a new three-year collective bargaining agreement that includes wage increases, new paid parental leave and additional workplace safety measures.
Union-represented employees ratified the agreement Monday, Sept. 14, according to Mount Nittany Health. The contract took effect the same day and runs through June 30, 2029.
Under the agreement, employees will receive general wage increases of 3% in each of the first two years and 2% in the final year, a release from Mount Nittany Medical Center stated.
Employees would receive an additional 1% increase in the third year if Mount Nittany Medical Center’s Sole Community Hospital designation is permanently reinstated during the contract.
The agreement also adjusts pay grades for 22 positions, providing additional wage increases for employees in those classifications beyond the general increases and any applicable seniority step increases.
"This contract reflects Mount Nittany Medical Center's dedication to investing in competitive wages, strong benefits, and initiatives that support the professional growth and wellbeing of our employees," Mount Nittany Health President and CEO Kathleen Rhine said.
The contract provides two weeks of fully paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child. The benefit is available to both parents and can cover the first two weeks of an employee's 12 weeks of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Existing employee health care benefits will remain unchanged, while uniform and shoe allowances will increase.
The agreement also calls for additional workplace safety and security measures. Those include two workplace safety task forces, one focused on the Behavioral Health Pod in the Emergency Department and another addressing safety concerns in the Ambulatory Surgical Unit and Endoscopy.
Other planned measures include a camera-integrated weapons detection system, mass-text emergency notification system, expanded employee duress badge technology and establishment of a K-9 officer program.
Changes to part-time scheduling policies will also prevent part-time employees from being scheduled above their agreed-upon full-time equivalent allotment.
"At Mount Nittany Health, we are one team, working together to deliver excellent patient care, support one another and be leaders within our community," said Amy Trithart, chief human resources and ancillary services officer at Mount Nittany Health.
Mount Nittany Health is one of the region's largest health care providers and employers.