1199ers at Tobey Hospital, in Wareham, Massachusetts, near Cape Cod, reached a tentative agreement with Southcoast Health system on January 10, which includes 6.5 percent across-the-board wage increases over the life of the contract.

Management finally moved on the members’ economic demands after six months of negotiations after the Union mounted an informational picket on January 9. The settlement also includes step increases, the addition of universal training pay, and increases to differentials.

The 100 workers in the bargaining unit include, housekeepers, dietary workers, CNAs and phlebotomists. Most members live in Wareham, so this contract is also an investment in the local community.