Nurses and Forum Health making progress in talks

YOUNGSTOWN — It’s looking likely that nurses will reach a contract settlement with Forum Health, a union leader says.

“I don’t want to jinx anything at this point, but it looks promising,” said Eric Williams, president of Youngstown General Duty Nurses Association.

Bargaining that began at 9 a.m. Monday continued into the evening. Williams said at 8:30 p.m. that he did not know how long talks would continue. “If we don’t conclude tonight, with any luck, tomorrow,” he said. “We’re continuing to make progress.”

The nurses’ contract was to expire at midnight Thursday, but remains in effect for the time being. The union had issued a strike notice last week. But after an 18-hour bargaining session Thursday and Friday, the union rescinded its intent to strike. Union officials said sufficient progress was made during that marathon session.

The YGDNA/Ohio Nurses Association represents some 600 registered nurses at Northside Medical Center and Beeghly Medical Park in Boardman.