STOCKTON — The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a new 36-month agreement with the California Nurses Association.

The contract with the CNA is designed to ensure competitive wages, stability, and operational improvements for county nurses.

 The agreement includes wage increases of up to 16% for inpatient nurses and 11% for ambulatory nurses, along with pay incentives and provisions to support long-term retention and hospital operations.

“This contract is both fair and fiscally responsible, aligning with the Board’s strategic priorities to strengthen San Joaquin County’s healthcare system and support a growing community,” said Board Chair Paul Canepa. 

“I want to thank the County Administrator, the Human Resources team, the union negotiators, and our nurses for working together to ensure fair increases and stability for our nursing staff. As one of the few remaining acute care public hospitals in California, San Joaquin General Hospital is a vital part of our community, and this agreement values the dedication of our nurses while securing the hospital’s future for generations to come.”

The last agreement, from April 2021 to April 2023, included an 8% wage increase for all nurses, an additional 6% increase for specified nursing classes, and an additional 4-6% increase for other nursing classes. T

his agreement was extended through April 2024, giving all nurses an additional 8.5% increase. San Joaquin County and CNA began negotiating the new contract on March 14, 2024, and came to terms on March 3, 2025, following 20 meetings over the 11-month process.

The updated contract, effective April 7, 2025 – April 7, 2028, was approved by CNA members on March 11, 2025.

 The total cost is approximately $63.3 million, with a net county cost of $3.87 million. The Board's approval authorizes the Human Resources Director to finalize the agreement, ensuring continued support for the county’s nurses and the essential services they provide.