Representatives for Mount Nittany Medical Center’s 950 unionized workers and hospital management returned to negotiations on Thursday, but remained unable to reach a new contract agreement with a week and a half remaining until a planned strike.
Annual wage increases for all unionized employees remained the key point of contention. Mount Nittany stuck by its offer of across-the-board 3% raises in the first year followed by 2% in the following two years, with additional pay grade increases for registered nurses and certain other workers. The general wage increase proposal from the workers represented by SEIU Healthcare PA is 5.75% in the first year, 4.5% in the second and 4% in the third.
Kelsye Stott, a registered respiratory therapist, said in a statement that management negotiators told union members “that they do not have any further authorization to invest more in all workers, which concluded negotiations for the day.”
“Coming into negotiations today, we were hopeful that we would be able to get to a contract agreement that invests in recruiting and retaining all workers essential for quality care,” Stott said. “We don’t want to have to strike, but Mount Nittany management has left us with no choice when they’re offering raises that don’t keep up with costs that keep rising and a 4.2% inflation rate.”
Stott added that the union remains “willing and ready” to return to negotiations before the planned five-day strike beginning July 27, if and when management receives authorization to negotiate further.
Negotiations began on April 29 and the previous three-year contract expired on June 30. The union says it is seeking wages that keep up with the rising cost of living in Centre County and help to maintain adequate staffing levels, as well as new workplace safety protections amid rising concerns about violence in healthcare settings.
In addition to the general wage increase, Mount Nittany has offered another 2% for registered nurses in the first year, higher pay grades for 19 non-nursing positions that would result in 1% to 10% increases, seniority increases ranging from 2% to 10% and increased weekend and preceptor differentials. The proposal also includes two weeks of paid parental leave, an increase in annual uniform and shoe allowances and no changes to healthcare benefits, among other items.
Mount Nittany Health on Friday called the proposal “a comprehensive package that recognizes the essential role every employee plays in caring for our community.”
“We know these negotiations are important to our employees and to the future of our health system,” Mount Nittany officials wrote in a statement. “Our goal remains to reach a fair agreement that recognizes our employees’ contributions while ensuring Mount Nittany Health remains a strong, independent health system able to continue serving our community.”
The offer includes several new workplace safety measures as well, and Stott said the two sides made progress on that front.
But unless the wage issues are resolved, the workers remain ready to strike, Stott said.
Workers delivered a notice for the July 27 strike to the hospital on July 9. Federal law requires a notice of 10 or more days for strikes in healthcare workplaces.
Hospital officials have said that comprehensive plans are in place in the event of a strike. The medical center, emergency department, physician offices and outpatient practices will remain open if a strike occurs and patients should keep scheduled appointments unless contacted otherwise.
“Patient safety is our top concern, and we have solid plans in place to ensure care and services continue as usual,” hospital officials said in a statement.
Several local unions said at a rally on Wednesday in State College’s Sidney Friedman Park that they plan to picket alongside Mount Nittany workers, asking members not to use the medical center if a strike occurs.
Mount Nittany workers last went on strike in July 2004.
