HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — As hundreds of Cabell Huntington Hospital employees went on strike Wednesday, the hospital stood by its recent contract offer.
Members of SEIU District 1199 voted to begin the work stoppage over a disagreement regarding wage increases, quality care, safe staffing and health insurance coverage. The union represents laboratory and X-ray technicians.
Tim Martin, the hospital’s chief operating officer, expressed disappointment that the union did not accept the offer, which includes a 3% average annual wage increase, enhanced uniform allowance and increased shift differentials. The hospital also agreed to continue annual contributions to retirement accounts.
“Like the rest of the Cabell Huntington Hospital employees, the service employees were asked to begin paying affordable, and below market, health insurance premiums,” Martin added in a statement. “Under the Hospital’s final proposal, the Hospital will contribute more than 90% of health care costs for employees and their dependents.”
Martin said the hospital will provide health care treatment with minimal disruption; trained service workers have been hired to assist the hospital during the strike.