City committee backs sending nurses’ contract to council amid staffing shortfall

A Springfield City Council committee voted to report favorably on a tentative collective bargaining agreement covering public health nurses, after a lengthy discussion about staffing shortages, pay competitiveness and whether hiring preferences for bilingual applicants should be included.

The panel’s action came after Helen, a public health staff member, told the committee she is managing “a huge tuberculosis case of communicable diseases” and said the proposed contract’s change allowing part‑time hires is “critical.” Caterie Walcott, a city councilor, moved to send the contract back to the full council with a favorable recommendation; the committee approved the motion and “the ayes have it,” the chair said.

The debate centered on whether the proposed salary — discussed in the meeting as about $70,000 for a full‑time public health nurse (with additional pay for a bachelor’s degree) — will attract candidates, especially…