Workers at Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital have issued a formal strike notice with a target strike date of Sept. 11, SEIU District 1199 said in a statement shared with Becker’s.
The bargaining unit covers close to 200 of the approximately 800 employees at the Cleveland hospital, according to the union and Cleveland Clinic. Classifications include licensed practical nurses, nursing department assistants, division clerks, maintenance, food and dietary, housekeeping, sterile processing, central service technicians, laundry and physical therapy aides.
The notice follows a July vote by members to authorize a strike, NBC affiliate WKYC reported. The union told WKYC the vote itself came after months of negotiations.
“We continue to negotiate in good faith with the bargaining unit at Lutheran Hospital,” Cleveland Clinic said in a statement shared with Becker’s on Aug. 24. “Our goal is to achieve a mutually agreeable contract renewal as we have in years past. Cleveland Clinic appreciates the loyalty and care provided by every one of its caregivers at Lutheran Hospital.”
The system said the bargaining teams met last week and have another session scheduled this week, and that it has plans in place to ensure uninterrupted patient care in the event of a strike.
A union spokesperson said further bargaining sessions are scheduled and identified the top outstanding issues as wages, safe staffing, affordable healthcare and protecting workers’ rights.
Union members at Lutheran Hospital delivered a strike notice in August 2023 and ratified a three-year contract days later, averting that walkout. Lutheran Hospital is a 203-bed acute care facility.
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