After rejecting the final contract offer from UPMC Altoona (Pa.), the hospital's registered nurses — represented by SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania — plan to strike for 24 hours starting Feb 11, according to a report by The Altoona Mirror.
The nurses authorized the union to send a strike notice to the hospital earlier this month.
The nurses are taking issue with the contract's health insurance, retirement benefits and staffing guidelines, according to the report. UPMC Altoona officials previously stated the hospital is proposing benefits for the nurses that are consistent with what UPMC offers other nurses and employees.
UPMC Altoona is "disappointed" the union will strike, according to a statement. "The hospital has done everything reasonable to find common ground and reach an agreement with the SEIU," the statement reads.
The hospital is prepared to remain staffed and functional in the event of a strike, though the statement says an agreement could be reached prior to Feb. 11.
More Articles on Hospital Strikes:
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