Nurses at Molokai General Hospital, who last year agreed to be represented by the Hawaii Nurses Association, have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement.

Highlights of the three-year contract include full time status for registered nurses working 36 hours per week, according to a news release from the union. The contract, which covers about 10 nurses, includes a 3 percent wage increase in October 2009 and a 3 percent hike in October 2010. It also provides for merit pay increases up to 2 percent.

In addition, a patient-safety clause provides for double time pay when nurses work beyond a 12-hour shift. The increased pay rates make Molokai General competitive with the rest of the state, the union said.