Union representatives picketed March 16 outside of facilities operated by Cincinnati-based Mercy Health in the wake of stalled contract negotiations, according to a Springfield News-Sun report.
Negotiations between Springfield, Ohio-based Community Mercy Health Partners, a health system owned and operated by Mercy Health, and the Service Employees International Union, which represents workers at Mercy Health facilities throughout the state, have been ongoing since December 2014.
Union representatives claim workers are being asked to give up extended illness time, paid time off and other benefits, according to the report.
Representatives picketed March 16 at various locations, including Oakwood Village in Springfield and Fairfield (Ohio) Hospital. According to the report, they also rallied in February at Springfield (Ohio) Regional Medical Center and at Mercy Health's Cincinnati headquarters.
A Mercy Health spokeswoman said in a statement that the system "recognize(s) the union's right to picket" and "will continue to negotiate in good faith towards an agreement."
Geoff Davies, a spokesman for SEIU Local 1199, told the Springfield News-Sun the union has arranged a date for both sides to once again meet at the bargaining table.
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