UVM unions reach tentative deal, averting strike

The University of Vermont Medical Center and its support staff and technical professionals unions have reached a tentative two-year contract agreement, averting a possible strike after members authorized one last week. The agreement covers more than 3,000 workers and remains subject to a union ratification vote scheduled for Oct. 7–11; its terms have not been released. The sides had negotiated since April, with job security and minimum staffing identified as key concerns amid multiple rounds of layoffs and financial pressure at the medical center.