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Trumbull Memorial workers OK contract
The reworked contract will save the health-care system some $1 million.
WARREN — Immediately after its 300-member chapter at Trumbull Memorial Hospital approved a concessionary contract, the Service Employees International Union accused Forum Health of using “fuzzy finances” in contract bargaining at Northside Medical Center in Youngstown.
Trumbull Memorial service workers ratified the renegotiated work agreement with Forum by a 179-29 vote Wednesday, union officials said.
Union spokesman Anthony Caldwell said an audit by the union revealed that Northside has an $11 million annual operating deficit, as opposed to the $22 million to $25 million that Forum says the hospital is losing each year.
Also, he said monthly performance reviews over the last five months have been outperforming the budget projections of the hospital.
He called on Walter Pishkur, Forum president and chief executive officer, to “be honest with the public about the financial struggle they face.”
SEIU District 1199 also represents some 700 workers at Northside, where contract talks continue. Caldwell said Forum is demanding $5.6 million more in concessions from this group of members, which has been in talks with Forum for several months.
Pishkur, in a prepared statement, thanked the SEIU membership at Trumbull Hospital for their commitment to Forum Health.
He said, however, though there have been some successes over recent months, Northside is not achieving an operating profit, and the funds generated by achieving an operating margin are critical to what is needed to buy new equipment and upgrade buildings.
“The caregivers of Northside have made incredible sacrifices to keep this hospital viable,” said Becky Williams, SEIU District 1199 president. “It is time that Pishkur demonstrates his commitment to this hospital and this community by being honest and open about the economic state of Northside.”
The union said the reworked contract between Forum and TMH service workers will save the health-care system some $1 million.
The concessions are: Health insurance premiums increased by $40 a month; wage, wage-step increases and longevity increases frozen until 2011; company contributions to employee 401(k) retirement funds suspended; bereavement days reduced from four to three days; suspend $125 continuing education money, uniform allowance, attendance bonus and tuition reimbursement.
Negotiations also continue between Forum and the Northside registered nurses, represented by Youngstown General Duty Nurses Association/Ohio Nurses Association. Forum recently rejected a concession package from the YGDNA.
alcorn@vindy.com