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VALLEYCARE HEALTH SYSTEM of ohio Northside, Hillside nurses’ pacts expire
YOUNGSTOWN
The contract between ValleyCare Health System of Ohio and its registered nurses at Northside Medical Center expired at midnight Thursday without a new work agreement in place.
But the lack of a new contract did not produce a strike.
Members of the Youngstown General Duty Nurse Association (YGDNA) earlier in the week authorized its negotiating committee to give ValleyCare a 10-day strike notice, but that step has not been taken, said union president Eric Williams.
The YGDNA represents 400 registered nurses at Northside Medical Center on Gypsy Lane.
In an update on YGDNA’s website, Williams said the union offered to set up negotiating dates next week and throughout August.
However, Williams said ValleyCare negotiators said they were unable to meet next week and said they will communicate with Atty. Cathleen Slater, Ohio Nurse Association labor relations specialist, and the federal mediator regarding future dates.
In his online summary of the progress of negotiations on a new three-year agreement, Williams said ValleyCare has stayed with its initial wage proposal that includes elimination of longevity increases; pay increases of 1.25 percent the first year and 1 percent each the second and third years; and a lower entry wage for new hires with a half-percent pay increase each in the second and third years of the contract.
The YGDNA had previously made a counter offer on a financial package that would enable ValleyCare Northside to retain and recruit quality nurses; and withdrew proposals regarding retiree health care and registered nurses’ resignation notice, he said.
Staffing levels and wages are the primary issues of contention, Williams said.
Likewise, talks Thursday between ValleyCare and about 25 registered nurses at Hillside Hospital had not produced a new contract as of Thursday afternoon. The Hillside nurses’ contract also expired at midnight Thursday.
A ValleyCare statement said negotiations continue with the Ohio Nurses Association, and more bargaining sessions will be scheduled.