January 20, 2005

Mike Noble

Fletcher Allen Public Relations

(802) 847-2886

BURLINGTON, VT - Representatives of Fletcher Allen Health Care and the Vermont Federation of Nurses & Health Professionals (VFNHP) are scheduled to meet today in the first of a series of discussions about increased wages for Fletcher Allen registered nurses. 

Article 22 of the current contract stipulates that either party may reopen the agreement between February 1, 2005, and March 1, 2005, to renegotiate wage rate increases, which would take effect in October 2005.  Both Fletcher Allen and the VFNHP agreed to reopen the discussion early in order to support recruitment and retention efforts.  The current three-year contract runs through June 2006, at which time the entire contract will be subject to renegotiation. 

"In order to attract and retain registered nurses in a highly competitive labor environment, it is in everyone's best interest to ensure that Fletcher Allen is providing a competitive salary for its nurses," said Paul Macuga, chief human resources officer.  "We are entering these negotiations recognizing that we must increase our wages beyond what is called for in the contract in order to keep up with current trends in New England." 

The current contract raised salaries for registered nurses by two to four percent in the first year (effective October 2003), by three percent in the second year (beginning October 2004) and calls for a three percent increase in the third year (beginning October 2005).  Fletcher Allen has more than 1,200 registered nurses. 

Wages for Licensed Practical Nurses Also to be Discussed 

Fletcher Allen and the Vermont Federation of Nurses & Health Professionals also will discuss wages for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) under a separate contract.  Fletcher Allen has approximately 150 LPNs on staff as part of the care team.  The LPN contract, signed in June 2004, runs through June 2006.