Talks between Northside and nurses resume today

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

ValleyCare Northside Medical Center says it remains committed to the collective-bargaining process and to maintaining a positive relationship with its employees and their bargaining agents.

Responding to a call by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, for ValleyCare to work toward a “fair and equitable” agreement with its more than 400 registered nurses at Northside, the hospital said in a statement that it has, since early 2012, bargained in good faith, meeting with the Ohio Nurses Association for face-to-face meetings on more than 20 occasions.

The registered nurses at Northside are represented by the Youngstown General Duty Nurses Association, an ONA affiliate.

“Our negotiations are presently being conducted through a federal mediator who manages the schedule and scope,” the hospital said.

Negotiations between the hospital and union are scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

In a letter to Kirk Ray, chief executive officer of Northside and ValleyCare Health System of Ohio, Brown urged Ray and his staff to strive for a work agreement that “allows the nurses to continue providing the high quality of care they have performed for so many years.”

Northside’s final offer includes a 2.5 percent wage increase for all of the hospital’s registered nurses as well as a comprehensive medical- benefit plan and processes for staffing the hospital according to the volume and needs of patients, according to the hospital statement.

Five of six collective- bargaining units at ValleyCare hospitals, which represent registered nurses, service, technical, maintenance and professional workers, have ratified contracts that mirror these terms, hospital officials said.

“The nurses at Northside thank Sen. Brown for his support of the collective-bargaining process and his offer to assist with ongoing contract talks. We agree with him that a fair settlement will benefit the workers, their families, the hospital management and the entire Youngstown community,” said Eric Williams, YGDNA president.