Unionized radiation therapists at The Queens Medical Center have reached a tentative contract agreement with the company, the Hawai'i Nurses' Association announced today.

The contract is the first for the 13 radiation therapists covered by the three-year agreement. The contract becomes effective Jan. 15, pending a ratification vote next week.

"We are very pleased with this first contract and look forward to their participation in the union," said HNA Vice President Joan Craft.

Highlights of the tentative agreement include an average of 12 percent pay increases over the life of the contract, overtime pay when on duty beyond eight hours in a 24-hour period, and five holidays to be paid at time and a half.