Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, SEIU agree to contract extension

A contract agreement between union employees and Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge (Tenn.) was extended, according to The Oak Ridger.

The Service Employees International Union Local 205, which represents more than 800 MMC nurses and support staff, and the hospital have been unable to reach a new labor deal. However, both sides recently agreed to extend the workers' current contract until Jan. 9, hospital spokesperson Crystal Jordan told The Oak Ridger via email. The contract has previously been extended at least one other time.

The most recent contract extension comes after workers rejected the hospital's offer earlier this month. According to the union, a key sticking point in negotiations has been the hospital's proposed two-tier wage decrease for future hires.

Jeremy Biggs, chief administrative officer for MMC, said when the hospital's offer was voted down, "We believe the proposal was a fair one and helped reward our employees while at the same time helping prepare Methodist for the future. Since 2010, over 80 hospitals have closed across the country with nine of those being right here in Tennessee.  We need to take steps now to be critically focused on our long-term success so we can secure a strong future for all — our patients, our employees and our community at large."

Both sides are scheduled to continue negotiations Jan. 4.

 

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