UC Reaches Tentative Agreement With 11,000 Nurses

LOS ANGELES (CBS / AP) -- The union for registered nurses at five University of California campuses says a tentative contract agreement has been reached that would offer better pay and workplace safety measures.

California Nurses Association spokesman Chuck Idelson said more than 11,000 nurses would get incremental pay increases averaging 11 percent over the next 26 months if the contract is ratified.

Idelson said the contract also provides assurances that nurses will be able to take appropriate rest breaks and their health coverage costs will be frozen.

The tentative contract will be ratified or refused in membership meetings this week at the UC's Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Irvine and Davis campuses.

UC Office of the President spokeswoman Dianne Klein said the school believes the contract is fair and hopes it is ratified.

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