BOARDMAN Beeghly Oaks union agrees to Forum Health 3-year pact

BOARDMAN -- A union at Beeghly Oaks has agreed to a three-year contract with Forum Health.
The agreement with Service Employees International Union District 1199 provides workers with raises of either 4 percent or 3 percent in the first year, depending on job classification, said Jennifer Farmer, a union spokeswoman. She didn't have information on wages for the other two years.
A Forum news release said "wages were adjusted to bring them in line with market standards." Patricia Kimerer, a hospital spokeswoman, said she didn't have any further details on wages.
The deal was ratified by the union last week but announced Tuesday by Forum.
Health insurance
Kimerer said some union members will be paying for health insurance for the first time. Farmer said workers will pay slightly more for hospitalization, dental and vision insurance, but she didn't have specific figures.
The contract covers 90 workers at Beeghly Oaks, which includes assisted living units and a nursing home. The facility, at 6505 Market St., is owned by Forum.
The contract covers nursing aides and dietary, laundry, maintenance and housekeeping workers.
Forum has been asking its unions to agree to contract concessions because it says it is in financial difficulties.