Johns Hopkins Workers Ratify New Labor Contract
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Members of a union representing 2,000 hospital workers have approved a labor contract with Johns Hopkins Hospital after months of contentious negotiations.
The union on Friday evening voted in favor of ratifying the proposed contract, which calls for minimum wage increases for environmental services, kitchen and maintenance workers.
Under the agreement, workers with 20 years of experience will earn at least $15 an hour, effective immediately. Workers with 15 years of experience will earn $14.50 by 2015, and all current workers will make at least $13 by 2018.
Negotiations began in March, and the union went on strike in April after rejecting the hospital's offer of a $12 minimum wage.
The parties reached an agreement earlier this week after Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley intervened.
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