Indiana (Pa.) Regional Medical Center and nurses at the hospital have reached an impasse in negotiations, The Indiana Gazette reports.
The news was announced Thursday by IRMC spokesman Mark Richards. He said in a news release that the 384 workers and the hospital have reached a stalemate in contract talks and that IRMC will implement a new health insurance plan for its workers July 1, according to the report.
The impasse follows 18 formal bargaining sessions that have been unsuccessful at producing a contract agreement between the hospital and nurses. The nurses are represented by the Indiana Registered Nurses Association and Pennsylvania State Education Association-Healthcare Local No. 5120.
Mr. Richards said both sides agreed on most issues but remained at odds over wages and health insurance, according to the report. IRMC proposed final offer Feb. 6. However, IRNA/PSEA members did not accept or reject the offer, but voted May 3 to authorize a strike. Nurses have also picketed since authorizing a walkout.
Union officials Thursday declined to comment to The Indiana Gazette on the declaration of impasse. PSEA regional coordinator Annie Slezickey did, however, tell the publication the union would comment when all the nurses have responded to the impasse notice.
The Indiana Gazette was unable to immediately reach IRNA President Kathy Wolfe.
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