More than 2,000 workers at Appalachian Regional Healthcare could soon go on strike

HAZARD, Ky. -- More than 2,000 employees at Appalachian Regional Healthcare could soon be going on strike.

The employees are members of the United Steelworkers union and are at odds with ARH officials over a new collective bargaining agreement.

ARH's labor contract with around 2,200 USW employees expires on March 31. The two sides have yet to reach a new deal.

The two sides are scheduled to meet again on Monday.

ARH officials said they have contingency plans just in case the workers end up striking.

ARH serves around 350,000 people in eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia.