Hospital union plans to strike Dec. 31

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.dailymail.com/ap/ApTopStories/201012220444

Wednesday December 22, 2010
Hospital union plans to strike Dec. 31
by The Associated Press

By Cassie Shaner

The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va.

(MCT)

Dec. 22--AFL-CIO Local 814 issued a 10-day strike notice to WVU Hospitals officials Tuesday, following the second meeting this week in which contract negotiations stalled.

Sherri Dezzutti, business manager for Local 814, said union members are still willing to talk. But they will strike if an agreement isn't reached by 12:01 a.m. Dec. 31, after the union's existing contract expires.

WVU Hospitals President and CEO Bruce McClymonds said he was disappointed by the union's decisions and its plans to strike, in a statement provided to The Dominion Post.

"We believe that our offer is fair and generous, especially when considering the state of the economy and expected financial challenges of health care reform," McClymonds said.

"WVU Hospitals will not compromise on the quality of care provided to our patients. If a strike should occur, our physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals will continue to provide the same high level of service to patients as always. While members of the union perform many important tasks at the hospital, we have plans in place to ensure that patient care and safety will not be affected.

FULL story at link.