NARH Says Prepared for Strike Action
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The local chapter of 1199SEIU voted overwhelmingly on Monday to authorize a strike should contract negotiations go nowhere with Northern Berkshire Healthcare, the hospital's parent corporation. NBH received the 10-day notice of intent on Tuesday, making the effective strike date Saturday, Dec. 12.
"This is a very unfortunate step taken by the SEIU. No one wins in a strike," said Richard Palmisano, president and CEO of Northern Berkshire Healthcare, in a statement. "If the SEIU actually implements the strike in 10 days, the hospital will be ready to provide high-quality, health-care services to our patients without interruption."
The hospital's management team began preparing for a strike as soon as it "became a possible outcome of negotiations," he said, adding that the health system's hired what he described as "a national firm with experience in helping hospitals manage strikes."
According to Palmisano, the hospital will continue function normally and will bring qualified replacement employees to appropriately staff all units and departments.
"Our Emergency Department, surgical services, nursing units, and all outpatient services will be ready to welcome patients," said Billie Allard, vice president of patient care services at NARH. "We have pledged to provide care to our community, and the hospital will fulfill that pledge."
In the meantime, Palmisano said, the hospital remains committed to resolving the contract dispute with the SEIU.
Service Employees International Union members say NBH is asking for permanent contract changes that will drastically cut benefits and no longer guarantee working hours; NBH officials say concessions are imperative as the health system struggles with a $8.1 million shortfall.
"Despite our sincere desire to avoid a strike and our willingness to work with them at the bargaining sessions, the SEIU has chosen this course," Palmisano said. "Our health systems' challenges are substantial and must be addressed on all fronts. We continue to hope the SEIU will come to recognize the reality of our circumstances and join us in finding solutions."
