Howard Brown Health Ratifies First-Time Contract Agreement with Union-Represented Staff

(May 2, 2024 – Chicago, IL) – Howard Brown Health and its workers represented by the Illinois Nurses Association have reached an agreement on a first-time contract that will cover nearly 400 administrative, clinical, and retail employees after unionized staff members voted to ratify a collective bargaining agreement.

The contract includes yearly wage increases that outpace inflation, transparency of pay, comprehensive insurance for part-time workers, a reworked disciplinary system, expanded job protections, and other improvements for union-represented Howard Brown staff members. The contract becomes amendable in 2027.

“I am thrilled we have reached this moment for Howard Brown. In our 50-year history, this is a crucial milestone where our colleagues’ voices are heard and respected,” said Robin Gay, DMD, Interim President and CEO. “On behalf of the Executive Leadership Team, I want to express our continued gratitude to the Illinois Nurses Association team, our union-represented bargaining committee, and our management staff for their tireless efforts to reach this contract. We look forward to continuing to work together to advance our mission of providing affirming health care and social services to our patients and our community.”

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Rooted in LGBTQ+ liberation, Howard Brown Health provides affirming healthcare and mobilizes for social justice as an agent of change for individual wellbeing and community empowerment. Howard Brown envisions a future where healthcare and transformative social policies actualize human rights and equity for all. Howard Brown offers primary care, behavioral health, and social services at 10 clinics across the city, regardless of ability to pay.

Media Inquiries:
Wren O’Kelley, Associate Director of Communications and Marketing
mediainquiries@howardbrown.org
872.269.3411