Unionized hospital workers at Toledo, Ohio-based Mercy Health-St. Vincent Medical Center are now in their second week of a strike, according to NBC-affiliate TV station WNWO.
The strike — which began May 6 — comes as hospital officials are in negotiations with UAW Local 2213, which represents about 1,000 nurses at St. Vincent, and UAW Local 12, which represents 900 technical and support employees.
Since the walkout began, some workers who didn't initially strike, have joined the picket line, while others who did initially strike have left the picket line, hospital and union officials told WNWO.
Healthcare costs and on-call hours are among the key issues for striking workers. The workers are reportedly seeking more affordable out-of-pocket copays as well as regulated on-call hours.
Hospital officials said in a statement: "Mercy Health-St. Vincent Medical Center and Children's Hospital appreciates and welcomes the compassion and expertise of those who continue to serve our patients, including the hundreds of local associates who have returned to work as well as dedicated healthcare professionals from our sister hospitals and outside agencies" who have helped serve patients during the strike.
More information about negotiations is available here.
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