Washington Hospital workers announced Tuesday that they have reached a new union contract with UPMC. Union officials say the contract includes average raises of 12% over three years, with some employees getting as much as 19%, which is major progress from UPMC’s original proposal of a 1% raise per year. Union members say the new contract will help them support themselves and their families as the cost of living continues to increase. Union members say that during their contract negotiations, they took inspiration and strength from the union healthcare workers throughout the Pittsburgh region who have won historic contracts in the past year and a half. Melissa Duran, an EKG Tech at the hospital says, “All nurses and healthcare workers deserve to have a real seat at the table and a union voice in our jobs and our future. Now, we are focused and determined to make sure UPMC keeps their promises and follows through on their commitments to invest ‘a minimum of $300 million’ in our hospital. We will work arm-in-arm with our elected officials and community members to ensure UPMC invests in workers and those we care for.”