BUFFALO, N.Y. — Members of CWA Local 1122 at the Visiting Nurses Association of Northwest Pennsylvania overwhelmingly ratified their first contract on June 20.

The contract covers 28 employees that include registered nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, assistant occupational therapists, social workers, dieticians, home health care aides and homecare hospice clerks.

This unit was voluntarily recognized by the employer on Sept. 15, 2016.

The contract includes a grievance procedure to solve workplace issues; clarification and memorialization of benefits including paid time off, bereavement and jury duty; and a guarantee of pay raises of 3.5 percent, 2.75 percent and 2.75 percent over the next three years.

The contract also increased start rates to help with recruitment