Forum, SEIU agreement includes wage freeze

YOUNGSTOWN — Forum Health and Service Employees International Union District 1199 have agreed to an 18-month work agreement that includes “millions of dollars” in concession savings for the hospital system.

David Regan, president of SEIU District 1199, said the union agreed to a wage freeze over the length of the contract, which runs from Sunday through Oct. 1, 2008. The Forum Health Board of Trustees approved the agreement Monday, and union members ratified the pact Wednesday.

Regan would not reveal the specific number of members who voted for and against the contract. He said, however, that more than half of the 1,400 members voted, and of those who voted, 85 percent approved the agreement. He said the union’s bargaining committee recommended ratification.

Regan also said the new contract gives the hospital the ability to outsource laundry services at Northside Medical Center, which could cause 30 employees to lose their jobs.

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