NIHD responds to Union Member vote on proposed agreements

Northern Inyo Healthcare District acknowledges that members of AFSCME Local 315 have voted in favor of the proposed agreements negotiated through recent mediation. This vote formally averts the previously announced Unfair Labor Practice strike and concludes the related charge before the Public Employment Relations Board.

The District appreciates the union’s participation throughout this process and recognizes the significance of this step toward restoring stability for patients, staff, and the community. NIHD also extends its gratitude to all employees who continued supporting patient care during this period of uncertainty.

In keeping with NIHD’s governance requirements, the proposed agreements now move to the NIHD Board of Directors for formal review and approval.

Once fully approved, employees will receive a 2.5 percent cost-of-living pay increase on top of the existing 2.5 percent annual increase all staff receive on the anniversary of their individual hire dates, for a total of 5 percent annually.

Other positive improvements include enhanced recruitment processes; extended medical, dental, and vision benefit coverage at employees’ cost for those on extended medical leaves due to serious health conditions; increased standby pay; and new training differentials. Additionally, employees will now have more flexibility during holidays or operational closures, and they can opt not to use paid time off (PTO) and instead select a Zero Pay time code that allows PTO to accrue even when they are not receiving pay.

“Our foremost responsibility is to ensure safe, consistent care for those who rely on us,” said NIHD Chief Executive Officer Christian Wallis. “The union members’ vote is an encouraging development for the entire region. We are grateful for the progress made through mediation and look forward to completing the final steps so that our teams can continue focusing on the patients we proudly serve.”

NIHD assures the community that all hospital and clinic services remain open and fully operational. Patient care will continue without interruption as the District moves through the remaining approval steps. NIHD remains committed to collaboration with its workforce and to strengthening the stability of healthcare services throughout the Eastern Sierra.