Over 50 healthcare workers at Maristhill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center will see higher wages under a new three-year contract agreement.

The contract, which workers recently voted to ratify, ensures that certified nursing assistants (CNAs) with seven years of experience will be guaranteed a wage of $15/hour. The workers’ goal of achieving the $15 wage was inspired in part by the growing “Fight for $15”

movement, a national effort aimed at securing $15/hour wages for workers. Dietary employees at the nursing facility will also see an increase in the starting wage to $12.50 per hour as part of the contract agreement, which took effect retroactive to July 5, 2015.

“This new agreement ensures that Maristhill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center workers will be recognized for their dedication to providing to high quality patient care,” said Veronica Turner, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “Most importantly, many of these healthcare workers will now have well-deserved access to a living wage.”

Workers at Maristhill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center who are members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East include CNAs, dietary employees and activities staff. The contract agreement is among a series of recent successes for union nursing care workers who are members of 1199SEIU. Agreements have also been reached with Vero Health & Rehabilitation in West Roxbury and with Courtyard Nursing Care Center in Medford.