ASHLAND, Ky. - King’s Daughters Medical Center and the Service Employees International Union District 1199 reached a new three-year contract agreement Thursday.

Kathy McCormick, West Virginia/Kentucky team coordinator for the union, said the new contract provides for pay increases, a change in health care coverage and some job security for union employees.

Union workers will get a 3-and-a-half percent pay increase each year of the contract, but agreed to use the same health care plan as non-union workers, which calls for each employee to pay 20 percent of the cost of their premiums. Previously, union workers paid 15 percent toward health care costs.

KDMC president/CEO Fred L. Jackson also praised the contract.

&uot;We’re pleased to be in a position to offer this fair and comprehensive package. We’re delighted to have the bargaining process completed, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to provide the very best health care possible.&uot;

The union represents approximately 470 employees at the medical center, including housekeeping, maintenance and laundry.