The Boston City Council on Oct. 1 approved collective bargaining agreements that cover registered nurses and nurse practitioners at the Boston Public Health Commission, authorizing a $347,178 supplemental appropriation to cover fiscal 2026 costs.

The agreements between the Boston Public Health Commission and SEIU Local 1199 run from Oct. 1, 2020 through Sept. 30, 2027 and include annual wage increases of 2% in most years (1.5% for fiscal 2022), structural changes to pay steps, an added step for new hires, a new step 13 in 2026 for more experienced nurses, and an increase to education bonuses.

Councilor Worrell, who described the bargaining unit and the affected programs, said the unit includes about 30 nurses working in Boston’s infectious disease bureau, school-based health centers, the Healthy Baby/Healthy Child program and Boston EMS. “These updates are designed to strengthen recruitment, retention, and workforce stability for a group of nurses who provide critical care in our public health system,” he said.

The council approved suspension of the rules and passage of the two dockets that cover the contract adjustments and the required supplemental appropriation. Councilors who spoke during the floor debate expressed support, praising the nurses’ work and urging timely reimbursement of past earnings. “These nurses are really lifesavers and they’re unsung heroes in our city,” Councilor Flynn said. Councilor Braden noted disparities between public health nurses and other nurse groups and said the changes were needed to hire and retain staff.

Votes at the meeting recorded that docket 1738 received 11 affirmative votes and passed; docket 1739 also received 11 affirmative votes and passed.

The appropriation will be transferred from the city’s reserve for collective bargaining to the Boston Public Health Commission’s budget for fiscal 2026. The council did not specify further implementation dates beyond the contract term. The council chair referred the financial details to the Committee on Ways and Means for the normal oversight associated with budget adjustments.

While council discussion focused on recruitment and pay equity, no amendments modifying the contract language were proposed on the floor. Councilors emphasized monitoring implementation and timely payment for back wages covered by the agreement.