HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A contract agreement has been reached among Cabell Huntington Hospital employees, ending a nearly month-long strike.
Members of SEIU District 1199 voted Wednesday to accept a three year contract that covers more than 900 workers including patient care assistants, technicians, clerks, aids, housekeepers, food service, LPNs and maintenance staff.
The hospital said in a statement striking employees could return to work as early as Friday.
“We value all of our employees as each plays an important role in delivering reliable, quality care to our patients,” said Tim Martin, chief operating officer for Cabell Huntington Hospital. “We are committed to being the best employer in the region with outstanding wages and benefits and this contract confirms that. We look forward to welcoming back our coworkers and resuming normal operations.”
MetroNews has reached out to SEIU 1199 Regional Director Sherri McKinney for comment.
“I commend the negotiating team in reaching a mutually beneficial contract,” stated Kevin Yingling, MD, Mountain Health Network CEO and President of CHH. “Throughout the negotiation process, I have been truly impressed by the expertise, experience, and guidance of our team. They have bargained earnestly and honestly to achieve a fair and equitable contract. I am deeply grateful for all that they have accomplished and look forward to continuing a shared focus on patients and caring for our community.”
The two parties were brought back by a federal mediator this week to resume negotiations. A temporary restraining order was put in place by a Cabell County judge during the strike to calm activity on the picket line. Temporary workers were brought in during the work stoppage.
The union was on strike in hopes of sending a message for better wages, continued health insurance and safe staffing.
The new contract took effect Dec. 1, 2021 and will run through Nov. 15, 2024.