Jan 12, 2016 1 min read

The union representing service and technical employees at Washington Hospital has begun negotiations on a new contract.

Karen Gownley, spokeswoman for Service Employees International Union Healthcare Pennsylvania, said Tuesday the union, which represents about 400 workers, had one session in December and another last week.

The current agreement expires Jan. 31.

The last contract was settled following somewhat contentious negotiations, when the union voted to authorize a strike as the contract deadline approached. The strike was avoided when the three-year pact was ratified Feb. 4, 2013.

SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania represents about one-fourth of Washington Health System’s 1,600 employees.

Some of the workers included in the service and technical categories at the hospital include maintenance, housekeeping, dietary and unit secretaries.

One of the aspects that has changed since the last contract was negotiated is that the hospital’s parent organization, Washington Health System, acquired Southwest Regional Medical Center in late June. At the time it completed the acquisition, WHS said it would honor contracts of employees at the Waynesburg facility who are represented by SEIU.

Another negotiating session is scheduled for Thursday.