St. Barnabas Hospital and the Committee of Interns and Residents/SEIU Healthcare union have ratified a three-year contract set to increase salaries and benefits for the 291 resident physicians at the hospital. The contract also sets up a labor management committee to hold regular meetings where residents and administrators can bring concerns, according to SEIU spokesperson Heather Appel.

Union, hospital and elected officials lauded the deal.

“We believe the agreement works for all parties concerned,” said St. Barnabas President and CEO Scott Cooper, MD. “We look forward to enjoying a positive and fruitful relationship with the CIR for years to come.”

Congressman Jose E. Serrano said the agreement was “gratifying.” He added, “It goes to show that when management and labor sit down and collaboratively negotiate, good things happen.

The contract will run through June 2014.