Healthcare workers at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge (Tenn.) plan to picket Tuesday, days after members took a strike authorization vote, according to The Oak Ridger.
The announcement came from Service Employees International Union Local 205, which represents more than 800 nurses and support staff at the hospital. In a media advisory about the picket, SEIU said members plan to strike if the two sides are unable to reach a labor deal, according to the report.
The union is currently in negotiations with the hospital, part of Knoxville, Tenn.-based Covenant Health, as a contract extension is set to expire Nov. 15. According to the union, key sticking points include staffing levels, work hours, pay and health insurance.
The hospital expressed disappointment in the union's picket plans, but told Becker's via email it "remains focused on reaching a proposal that is fair for all parties."
"There are several issues that have not been resolved at this point but our goal remains to reach an agreement. We are working in earnest to negotiate a contract that rewards a staff of dedicated professionals and invests for the future of this hospital and the community," MMC added.
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