The union representing 800 workers
at Cabell Huntington Hospital
SEIU District 1199 issued a strike
notice after its members overwhelmingly rejected the hospital’s latest offer in
a vote that took place Saturday. The main disagreement appears to be over
health care coverage for active workers and retirees. The proposal also
included no pay raises according to the union.
SEIU District 1199 Deputy Director
Joyce Gibson said the hospital’s contract proposal was “unbelievable.”
“Considering the amount of money
that they’ve made,” Gibson told MetroNews. “We’re just literally in shock that
they would even have these cuts and concessions on the table being as
profitable as they are right now.”
The union claims Cabell Huntington
had a $33 million profit last year. Gibson said they agreed to concessions in
the 2010 contract because the hospital was struggling but not anymore.
“We believe wholeheartedly that
part of that (profit) should be shared with the workers who provide that direct
care,” Gibson said.
“We recognize that our employees
are our most valuable resource and we are proud to offer a complete range of
benefits at a time when many in our industry must reduce benefits for staff. In
fact, total compensation (the combination of salaries and benefits) provided to
all current and future staff will continue to remain higher than those at all
other healthcare providers in West
Virginia
Shumaker said the hospital will
return to the bargaining table next week with optimism that a fair agreement
can be reached.
Gibson said the union is also ready
to negotiate but also ready to strike if it has to.
“No one wants to strike in this
situation. However, they are willing to do it to make the hospital understand
that there is no way that they can afford these health insurance concessions
and feed their families and be able to continue to provide for their own,” Gibson
said.
The union represents LPNs, lab, service and maintenance workers.
The hospital said it has a plan in place if a strike would occur.
