BANGOR – A three-year contract between Eastern Maine Medical Center and its union nurses is in effect.

The Bangor hospital’s board has voted to approve a contract that was ratified during the weekend by the union representing 870 nurses.

The Maine State Nurses Association says the contract includes language that substantially enhances nurses’ voice in patient care delivery.

The union’s threat of a one-day strike this week was withdrawn when a tentative agreement was reached.