University of Iowa Health Care workers have protested working conditions since September, and a recent contract response from the state Board of Regents could deepen their concerns.

The UIHC nurses union, Service Employees International Union Local 199, requested a 14 percent pay raise on Wednesday. In response, the regents offered a 1.5 to 3 percent pay raise. 

Additionally, UI Health Care workers suggested changes in their contract. 

The staff demanded higher pay for employees and longevity pay up to 4 percent each time an employee hits a milestone who works in units with more reported assaults. The union also requested differential pay for employees who work overnight shifts and as charge nurses.

Even though Iowa’s collective-bargaining law states that public-sector union negotiations are limited to dealing over base wages only, the union asked regents to add back into their contract issues like pay differential, parental leave, and workplace violence.