St. E's contract talks stalled over health care costs

YOUNGSTOWN

Contract negotiations between St. Elizabeth Health Center and Teamsters Local 377, which represents 708 service and maintenance employees at the Youngstown hospital, are stalled over health benefits.

“Our contract expired May 26, and though we have an extension until June 11, it appears negotiations are not progressing, despite the help of a federal mediator,” said Robin Schuler, chief negotiator for Local 377.

The reason for the impasse is money, specifically health insurance and the amount of co-pays at doctor’s offices and deductibles, or the amount of the medical bill before insurance kicks in, Schuler said.

Employees are willing to pay the 2 percent premium share increase St. Elizabeth is seeking, from 10 percent to 12 percent, but want a cap on the increases in co-pays and deductibles that the hospital system wants, Schuler said.

Co-pays and deductibles were increased over the life of the last union contract; and now St. Elizabeth wants a 3-year contract and wants to be able to adjust co-pays and deductibles every January as it sees fit, he said.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.