Nurses, technologists, service workers and administrators of Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank reached agreement on a labor contract March 4 following six months of negotiations.

"We're very pleased with the contract we have," said Jane Johnson, a nurse in the blood donor center. "This has turned out to be a positive labor-management story."

Johnson, who served on the bargaining team of Service Employees International Union, said she expected workers to ratify the contract March 11.

Patrick Petre, hospital administrator, said in a statement: "We're pleased to reach tentative agreements on these three contracts, which respect the rights of our employees, follow our core values of the Sisters of Providence and of the Medical Center, and allow us to continue our mission of providing high quality, compassionate health care to our community."

The contract includes establishment of a patient care committee by employees and management to jointly discuss staffing, equipment and safety issues as well as staffing ratios of 9 patients to one certified nurse assistant. The contract also stipulates wage increases of at least 15 percent over next three years and fully employer-paid family health insurance.

"We're all trying to do the best we can to take care of our patients in our communities and our families," said Johnson. She added the benefits and wage increases will enable the 455-bed hospital to better recruit and retain employees.

It is the first contract for more than 1,400 registered nurses, technical employees and service and maintenance workers who voted to join SEIU two years ago.

During the negotiation process Providence Saint Joseph employees had at times held vigils outside the hospital to bring public attention to their concerns. Members of the entertainment community, many of whom work in Burbank, had voiced their support.

SEIU has been expanding in Southern California where employees at 67 hospitals have joined the union since 1998.