Informational picket outside of St. Elizabeth Health Center Boardman

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Health-care employees conducted an informational picket Tuesday outside St. Elizabeth Health Center Boardman campus.

The demonstration was a sign of support for workers who are negotiating a contract at a facility owned by Mercy Health in Lorain, after Service Employees International Union District 1199 rejected an offer recently.

“Ultimately, what it was about was corporate greed,” said Anthony Caldwell, a spokesman for SEIU 1199.

Caldwell said the offer would have reduced staff levels, increased health- insurance costs and eliminated overtime for workers who are required to work more than eight hours per day.

A spokesman for Mercy Health released the following statement: “Mercy – Lorain representatives have been negotiating in good faith with SEIU District 1199 since August. They are committed to reaching an agreement or lawful impasse. Union representatives have opted to conduct an informational picket outside St. Elizabeth Boardman on Oct. 28. We recognize the union’s right to picket lawfully. We have a plan in place to ensure there is no impact to the safety and security of our employees or others within our buildings.”

The demonstration at Boardman was among 30 conducted across Ohio, Caldwell said.