Psychiatric care technicians and patient care associates at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center have approved a contract that includes staffing protections.
The three-year contract went into effect Monday. Workers ratified the contract on April 3 after negotiators for both sides reached a tentative agreement on March 27.
Workers represented by IAM Healthcare picketed at the hospital in March. The workers said that staffing levels were cut, and that the pay was low. The union said that led to a high turnover rate.
The union represents nearly 1,000 workers at the hospital, including patient care associates who draw blood, conduct ultrasounds and EKGs and do other work.
The union says that the contract requires the medical center to maintain staffing based on patient needs and staffing standards.
Hospital spokeswoman Marti Leitch said in an email that Ohio State is pleased that collaborative discussions led to a contract.