FORUM HEALTH Hagan defers boycott

Hagan reports significant movement toward a settlement.
YOUNGSTOWN -- State Sen. Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, D-33rd, has postponed his call for a boycott of Forum Health facilities, where 766 nurses are on strike, and facilities where strike replacement nurses are staying.
Hagan said Friday he met separately with the leadership of Forum Health and of the Youngstown General Duty Nurses Association, whose membership has been on strike against Forum Health Northside Medical Center and Beeghly Medical Park since May 1.
"Because of this discussion and because of the progress that we're making, they have indicated that they want to sit down and have an informal discussion.
"I'm postponing the boycott while we're in these discussions. There's some significant movement towards a settlement," he said.
Meetings set: Leaders of both sides were to meet today and Sunday for informal talks in his presence before they meet Monday in Cleveland with a federal mediator for formal negotiations.
"I have asked that this is done only with local officials -- local people who are employed at the hospital, so that we can discuss how it has an impact on us locally," Hagan said.
Hagan called Thursday for a boycott of the Forum Health facilities and the lodging establishments if the strike is not settled Monday.
The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce called, then canceled, a Friday afternoon news conference concerning the boycott.