Union ponders next move in Washington Hospital contract negotiations
After a full weekend of talks that went into the wee hours Monday, the union representing about 400 employees of Washington Hospital was pondering its next move.
Despite the marathon negotiating sessions, Service Employees International Union Healthcare Pennsylvania and Washington Health System failed to reach an agreement on a new contract. The union’s current three-year pact with the hospital expired Sunday.
“Workers and hospital management negotiated hard all day Saturday and Sunday, and until 3 a.m. into (Monday) morning but did not reach an agreement,” the union said in a statement Monday afternoon. “Union workers are having meetings tomorrow (today) to decide next steps.”
The brief release also included a statement from Brenda Fields, a unit secretary at the hospital and secretary-treasurer for SEIU’s Washington Hospital Chapter.
“Washington Health System is expanding and providing great patient care,” Fields said. “Our goal is to maintain that quality by valuing those providing care and service at the front lines with good raises and health care benefits that set the standard for good jobs in our community”
It was not known Monday afternoon whether any additional talks were scheduled.
Washington Hospital officials did not immediately have any comment on the negotiations.
On Friday, service and technical employees represented by SEIU rallied at Alpine Club Lanes.
Workers, who include those in maintenance, housekeeping, dietary and unit secretaries, are seeking a minimum of $15 an hour for all those represented by the union. The 400 SEIU employees at the hospital comprise about one-fourth of the payroll of Washington Health System, the parent of the hospital, which has a total of 1,723 employees.
Earlier, union workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize its bargaining committee to send a 10-day strike notice if necessary.
The progress of the current negotiations closely mirrors the path that led to a ratification of a pact in 2013. Following negotiations, the union voted to authorize a strike as the contract deadline approached. A walkout was avoided when the pact was ratified Feb. 4, 2013.
The union said Monday it will have more information and details Wednesday after all of its members meet.