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SALEM – Nurses union reps feel movement has been made ahead of today's continuation of negotiations with the Salem Regional Medical Center (SRMC).
SRMC nurses represented by the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA), American Federation of Teachers, Salem Regional Nurses Association issued a 10-day strike notice April 12. In the press release issued by the union regarding the notice, their "primary concern" is the implementation of safe staffing standards and "nationally recognized nurse-to-patient ratios in all patient care units that are vital to achieving optimal patient outcomes and providing high-quality care." The nurses are also demanding competitive wages which will "attract and retain skilled nursing personnel and prevent staffing difficulties and nurse turnover that directly impact patient care" moving forward.
Sara Harkleroad, president of the Salem Registered Nurses Association and Oncology nurse at SRMC, said that while the union felt that "movement was made in relation to wages and removing some concessions" in a negotiation session Tuesday, the SRMC had not yet moved on the staffing issues which are the union's main focus.
"The hospital has not responded to our staffing proposal we gave on March 12, nor the modified proposal we gave last week," said Harkleroad.
The union and SRMC will be continuing negotiations today and Saturday, if needed. Harkleroad said that the union intends to remain at the bargaining table today and Saturday as long as it takes to reach an acceptable deal.
"It is our intention to stay at the table [Friday] as long as necessary to try to reach an agreement our members will be able to ratify. If we cannot, then we will continue on Saturday, as well," said Harkleroad.
Since the original 10-day strike notice was issued, the union has posted an online petition at https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/salemnurses seeking residents' signatures in support which had 728 signatures as of Thursday evening.
The union has also received support from U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, who issued a letter of support urging "both parties to stay at the bargaining table and continue with good faith negotiations until you reach a compromise that best serves the interests of SRMC staff, patients and the greater community." The letter, which is addressed to Salem Regional Medical Center Corporate Executive Officer Doctor Anita Hackstedde, urged the SRMC to consider the positive impacts that safe staffing standards and a competitive compensation package offers, while further stressing the importance of continuing negotiations in good faith until an agreement can be reached.
"As you work toward an agreement with these dedicated members of your team, I encourage you to consider how safe staffing standards and a competitive compensation package, reflective of the market, could improve patient safety and health care outcomes-- strengthening recruitment and retention efforts. I urge SRMC to stay at the bargaining table until a fair, equitable, and timely final agreement - that honors the dignity of work and ensures that the community can continue to count on SRMC for their medical care - is reached. I will continue to encourage the Ohio Nurses Association local leadership to do the same," said Brown.
Debbie Pietrzak, SRMC vice president of Marketing and Planning, said that while she couldn't comment directly on the status of the negotiations, recent television media coverage had reported positive progress in Tuesday's negotiations.
"Officially I can't comment on that in my role, but that was the headline, and there are talks scheduled for Friday and Saturday this weekend if needed," said Pietrzak
The nurse's union contract, which represents 120 members which Harkleroad has said comprised the majority of the hospital's nursing staff, expires at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, with nurses scheduled to vote again on a potential strike before its commencement at 7 a.m. on Monday.
Sen. Sherrod Brown’s letter to SRMC CEO Dr. Anita Hackstedde
Dear Dr. Hackstedde:
I write to you regarding the potential for a strike at Salem Regional Medical Center (SRMC). I am concerned about the lack of progress towards a new contract and the impacts that failing to come to an agreement would have for both workers and patients. I implore both parties to stay at the bargaining table and continue with good faith negotiations until you reach a compromise that best serves the interests of SRMC staff, patients, and the greater community.
SRMC has a long and proud history serving the area. This history dates back to 1913 when a group of physicians came together to form a community hospital. SRMC continues to stand out as an independent and not-for-profit hospital in an age of consolidation and for-profit healthcare that far too often emphasizes profits over patients. As part of that history, I know that with your employees you share a love for your community and a deep sense of service.
The 120 members of the Salem Reginal Nurses Association, represented by the Ohio Nurses Association, American Federation of Teachers, are hardworking, skilled professionals at the heart of providing the highest level of care. Many of these workers have family members who count on SRMC for care and are deeply invested in the hospital's future. SRMC's leadership and its dedicated nursing staff share a deep commitment to providing safe and quality care, which includes ensuring that nurses are adequately staffed and supported in providing the best care for patients. Given these shared values, I am confident that - through continued good faith negotiations - both parties can come to a resolution and avoid a strike.
Having met with both sides during many negotiations between employers and workers, I recognize that - despite shared goals - this process can often be frustrating for both parties involved. As you work toward an agreement with these dedicated members of your team, I encourage you to consider how safe staffing standards and a competitive compensation package, reflective of the market, could improve patient safety and health care outcomes -- strengthening recruitment and retention efforts. I urge SRMC to stay at the bargaining table until a fair, equitable, and timely final agreement - that honors the dignity of work and ensures that the community can continue to count on SRMC for their medical care - is reached. I will continue to encourage the Ohio Nurses Association local leadership to do the same.
I appreciate your time and attention to this matter and look forward to continuing to work with you and your team to serve the health care needs of your community.