Union members with Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center have voted overwhelmingly to authorize their bargaining committee to issue a strike notice, if needed.
Workers gathered at 7:30pm last night for a candlelight vigil to express hope that an agreement can be reached with hospital executives and management.
Last week, workers with the hospital applauded a settlement regarding a dispute concerning Medicaid reimbursement rates. As reported, the settlement will provide $383M to rural hospitals across Kentucky. Specifically, Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center is expected to receive $5,028,667 (read press release here). From details that are available, checks could be issued to hospitals as soon as this week.
Negotiations with management at the hospital will continue on Thursday, July 2nd. Workers with Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center continue to call on management to recognize their work in the recent pandemic and negotiate in good faith to reach a fair and equitable agreement.
SEIU District 1199 represents over 250 workers with Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center and has represented members at the hospital since the 1980’s.