GOUVERNEUR -- Gouverneur Hospital employees represented by 1199SEIU, United Healthcare Workers have voted to approve new union contracts calling for 13 percent salary increases over the next three years, according to union officials.

At Gouverneur Hospital, 1199SEIU represents nearly 100 certified nurse assistants, licensed practical nurses, maintenance workers, and others.

They “voted overwhelmingly in favor” of the new agreement, said Allison Krause, communications coordinator for the union, in a prepared statement.

"This new contract is certainly far better than what we’ve ever had before and it wouldn’t have been possible if we didn’t have our union," said Michele O'Donnell, patient representative at Gouverneur Hospital.

The wage and benefit improvements will result in “better quality care for North Country residents,” said Allison. “With threats to Medicaid funding putting rural hospitals at risk, union contracts provide stability for hospitals and protection for the communities that depend on them.”

1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest healthcare union in America and represents over 400,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida.