Indiana (Pa.) Regional Medical Center nurses who went on strike Nov. 26 are barred from returning to work the rest of the week and plan to conduct informational picketing to raise awareness about contract negotiations, according to The Indiana Gazette.
More than 300 nurses began a one-day strike at 7 a.m. Nov. 26 over issues including wages and health insurance costs. Hospital officials said certified registered nurse anesthetists were required to return to work at 7 a.m. Nov. 28, but other nurses who went on strike are scheduled off the rest of the week because of a minimum five-day commitment required to hire temporary staff during the strike.
The temporary staff, which the hospital reportedly hired for $1.5 million, will work through Nov. 30.
The Indiana Registered Nurses Association, which represents the nurses and is affiliated with Pennsylvania State Education Association, said members plan to conduct informational picketing through Nov. 30.
Both sides are scheduled to return to the bargaining table Nov. 29.