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Cabell Huntington Hospital workers continue strike; hospital issues statement

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — More than 1,000 union workers at Cabell Huntington Hospital remain outside of the hospital on strike Friday.

The workers voted Tuesday to go on strike after negotiations with the hospital ended without a deal. SEIU District 1199 held a vote, in which a majority of affiliated service and maintenance unit workers agreed to begin a work stoppage on Wednesday. The workers include laboratory and X-ray technicians as well as cleaning staff.

Tom Dyer, who has worked at the hospital for over 30 years was a part of a rally Friday afternoon and said enough is enough.

“During my 32 years, it seems like every year we lose benefit after benefit. They take and they take and they take,” Dyer said.

Talks between the union and hospital had been ongoing, with the union seeking wage increases, quality care, safe staffing and continued health insurance coverage.

According to the union workers, issues are mounting up inside the hospital with temporary staff. Striking workers stated that trash is piling up, rooms are not cleaned, security protocols are being ignored, regular vital checks have been delayed, and procedures have been delayed or canceled.

Tim Martin, Chief Operating Officer, Cabell Huntington Hospital put out a statement Thursday evening on the hospital’s operations.

“Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH) has resumed its normal patient schedule following yesterday’s SEIU 1199 service employees work stoppage. All clinical areas and emergency departments are accessible and ready to care for patients. CHH is committed to providing our patients and community with quality healthcare 24 hours a day, every day.

“I continue to encourage patients coming to Cabell Huntington Hospital or to Marshall Health to use Medical Center Drive, which is the main entrance to the hospital, and use the parking garage. Patients needing access to the Emergency Department should use the entrance just off Hal Greer Boulevard.

“We truly appreciate the commitment of our entire team. We especially thank our dedicated caregivers and support staff who are providing outstanding care and preserving an environment conducive to the healing process. While we respect our service employees’ right to engage in a strike, we welcome any members of the Service unit who wish to come to work to do so. Striking staff who wish to return to work can contact their supervisor, human resources or go to a designated entrance and advise that they’re here to work.

“Cabell Huntington Hospital has worked in good faith with SEIU District 1199 Service Unit since August, to reach a fair contract with a generous package of benefits. We look forward to resuming negotiations with the goal of reaching a mutually beneficial contract.”

Dyer said at the rally Friday that the strike is not about ‘the worker’s greed’ like he believes the hospital wants to make it about.

“We are out here to take a stand for our families. It’s about the survival of our families, our community and our patients,” Dyer said.

Yvonne Brooks: Rehab Secretary, Local Union Board Member and Damon Core: Material Management, Local Union Board Member also spoke during the event.





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