Members of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East at Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Hospital are set to strike for four days starting June 27, which would be their second strike this year, according to a report by The Baltimore Sun.
The union, which represents about 2,000 housekeepers, cooks and other workers, issued a strike notice to the hospital earlier this week.
The hospital and 1199 SEIU are currently negotiating for a contract. The union is seeking a $15 minimum wage for employees who have 15 years of experience and for every employee to earn at least $14 an hour by the end of a four-year contract, according to The Baltimore Sun.
Johns Hopkins Hospital's latest contract offer included across-the-board raises of less than 2 percent a year. Employees with 15 years of experience would make $15 an hour by the end of the contract, while those with less experience would earn $12.25 an hour, according to the report.
"We are disappointed that union negotiators have notified us of an intent to strike on June 27," a hospital statement said, according to the report. ”Still, we are hopeful that before then, if both parties make good faith efforts to negotiate, we will have a contract that we all feel is fair and equitable."
The wage issue at Johns Hopkins Hospital has been an issue between the union and the hospital for a few months. Members of the union went on a three-day strike in April after the two sides did not come to a contract agreement, and the union hosted a rally over the wage issue in May.
Negotiations will continue Monday.
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