Gainesville, FL — The Shands Nurses Union, Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 713/Florida Nurses Association, voted to ratify a new three-year contract with UF Health Shands Hospital yesterday covering approximately 3,000 registered nurses.

The contract includes $18.3 million in wage and other compensation improvements and $3.3 million to ensure no health insurance premium increases in 2027, among other key improvements. The contract, bargained over five days, covers 2,952 bedside RNs responsible for making Shands a top Florida hospital.

The nurses prioritized demands that would enable them to live comfortably in the community they serve and have access to affordable healthcare to the quality of what they deliver. “This agreement delivers meaningful improvements for the nurses we represent and builds on the strong foundation they have established over the years,” said Marsha Martin, RN, president of The Shands Nurses Union.

“Today's ratification is a testament to what nurses can accomplish when they stand together.” The Shands Nurses Union doubled its dues-paying members as they developed their collective power throughout bargaining. As a result, nurses will receive a pay increase of $1 to $4 per hour and annual merit-based wage increases of 3.8 percent on average. Nurses achieved a wage re-opener clause allowing for new negotiations in spring 2027. The contract also continues to strengthen grievance procedures and solidify nurses’ voice in workplace issues impacting nurses. “While our work is never finished, this contract positions us to achieve even more in the future,” Martin added.

“As we continue to grow our membership and strengthen our union, we will be even better positioned to advocate for our profession, our patients and every nurse we represent."

The Shands Nurses Union will continue to build on this victory through strengthening their numbers with the goal of achieving even closer to what they deserve in the next contract.