CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Members of the Teamsters Union overwhelmingly rejected a contract offer from Stonerise Healthcare of Clarksburg. The vote was a 97% rejection of the company’s offer and also included a strike authorization.
“The employees and members of the union who were at the bargaining table feel like this offer, especially the economic offer, shows disregard for these employees,” said Luke Farley, General Counsel for Teamsters Local 175. “The main issue comes down to a fundamental lack of respect.”
The Teamsters represent about 40 employees at Stonerise. Most of those in the bargaining are CNA’s, but the union also includes several employees in dietary and housekeeping positions. The difficult contract negotiations came amid improved pay for other non-union employees involved in activities planning and other non-critical functions at the facility according to Farley.
“Non-union people in less important positions than people in our bargaining unit, have been given big raises,” he said. “They’ve given them a huge starting increase, but will not pay the same respect to those in the bargaining unit who are responsible for people’s lives on a day to day basis.”
Stonerise Health took over the operation after purchasing Heartland of Clarksburg in 2015. At the time, Farley claimed, the company threatened to replace all of the union employees and negotiations to reach the most recent offer were not easy. Since the rejection, Farley said he’s heard nothing from the company about wanting to further negotiate. He anticipated the 10 day strike notice, which is required by law in a health care facility, will be forthcoming soon.
The current contract expired Wednesday.