Nurses at NYC Health + Hospitals are getting a historical salary increase after nearly the entire workforce voted to endorse a new contract agreement.

Officials say the 5 1/2-year contract gives nurses an immediate $16,000 raise in the first year and over $5,500 in the second year. The increase will bring salaries for nurses up to par with those at private facilities.

This comes after months of negotiations between nurses and New York City hospitals.