Thanks to the hard work of Volare LPNs who have organized and stuck together, our Volare bargaining team has won major changes in our union contract that affect our wages, working conditions, and benefits.

Mandation (article 10.9)

• LPNs cannot be required to work beyond their scheduled shifts except in emergency situations (such as unplanned absences due to illness or severe weather).
• If mandated, LPNs will receive an extra shift premium of $5.50 per hour on top of their base pay.
• Voluntary stay-over work qualifies for an extra shift bonus and up to four hours of paid time off (PTO) per shift.
• No LPN will be mandated more than once in a 60-day period, and they will not be required to work more than four hours beyond their scheduled shift.
• Mandation will be assigned in rotating seniority order, beginning with the least senior LPN on shift.

Staffing Levels (article 10.9)

• Minimum LPN-to-patient ratios have been established:
  • Skilled Units: 1:20 (Day/Eve), 1:25 (Noc)
  • Long-Term Care Units: 1:25 (Day/Eve/Noc)
• If an LPN is assigned more than 15 skilled or 25 long-term patients during the day or evening shift, a treatment nurse will be provided to assist. NB: NOC shift LPNs will not be assigned more than 1:25 skilled or long term patient.

Wages & Wage Scale (article 11)

• All LPNs will be placed on the LPN wage scale based on years of licensed experience, including out-of-state experience.
• No LPN will be placed between steps. If an LPN’s wages fall between steps, they will be moved to the next higher step.
• Minimum 5% increase guarantee: If an LPN’s wage adjustment results in an increase of less than 5%, they will move up additional steps to receive at least a 5% increase.
• The new wage scale takes effect January 1, 2025.

Annual wage increases

• October 1, 2024 – 3%
• July 1, 2025 – 1%
• October 1, 2025 – 3%
• October 1, 2026 – 3%

Hiring Rates (article 11)

• Newly hired LPNs will be placed on the wage scale based on their years of experience.
• Experience from out-of-state employment will count toward placement on the scale.

Holiday Pay & Holiday Premium

• LPNs will receive holiday pay for all designated holidays, even if they do not work the holiday.
• LPNs who work on a holiday will receive:
  • Time-and-a-half for all hours worked on the holiday.
  • Double-time pay for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• To qualify for holiday pay, LPNs must work their last scheduled shift before and after the holiday unless on approved leave.

Shift Differentials (article 11.4)

• Evening Shift (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM): $0.50/hr
• Night Shift (10:00 PM – 6:00 AM): $0.75/hr
• Weekend Shift (Friday 10:00 PM – Monday 6:00 AM): $1.00/hr

NB: Bargaining unit employees on a weekend program will continue to receive their weekend program differential if they continue to work shifts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as outlined in the program agreement. If a Bargaining unit employee has an unexcused, unprotected absence during the pay period, the weekend program differential for that period will be forfeited.

Longevity Bonuses (article 11.6)

LPNs will be eligible for longevity bonuses based on their years of service, paid following an employee’s anniversary date:

LPNs with more than 10 years of service will receive their retroactive longevity bonus within 30 days of contract ratification.

Safety & Training (article 26)

• LPNs will not be required to work in violation of the Oregon Nurse Practice Act.
• The employer will provide free vaccinations and screenings for Hepatitis B, flu, TB tests, and other health risks.
• New LPN hires will receive up to five (5) days of paid hands-on training before being officially placed on the schedule.

Next Steps

With our new contract, LPNs have won fair pay, safer working conditions, and improved job security. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please reach out to your union bargaining team member.