Northside nurses authorize stirke notice

YOUNGSTOWN

Northside Medical Center nurses, upset about the lack of progress in contract talks with ValleyCare Health System of Ohio, have authorized the union negotiating team to give a 10-day strike notice to the hospital system.

Staffing levels and wages are the primary issues, Eric Williams, president of the Youngstown General Duty Nurses Association, said after the first of three mass membership meetings Thursday at Teamsters Local 377’s hall on Teamster Drive.

Williams would not give the vote count.

“We hope that this will refocus so the parties can reach an agreement,” he said.

There has been insignificant progress in negotiations, and there is much unity and unhappiness among members, Williams said.

Talks on Tuesday and those scheduled for Wednesday are under the auspices of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

The YGDNA represents about 400 registered nurses at ValleyCare Northside Medical Center on Gypsy Lane. Their work agreement expires July 19.

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