BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Catholic Health says an agreement with striking CWA workers at Mercy Hospital is, "within reach."
Roughly 2,200 workers at Mercy Hospital have been on strike since October 1, walking out over staffing issues, along with, "deteriorating patient care and safety."
“These union actions are intended to pressure employers at the bargaining table, but our patients, long-term care residents, and community know better,” said JoAnn Cavanaugh. “They see our commitment and compassion and know our mission and reputation for safe, high quality care was built long before CWA’s strike and will endure long after.”
CWA released the following statement
Catholic Health knows its allegations can’t be taken seriously when it calls us healthcare heroes in one breath and dangerous in the next. Bargaining continues to be productive, and we are hopeful that a resolution is on the horizon. The reality is that Catholic Health is trying to go backward on staffing, and its proposal would create ratios in medical-surgical units that are worse than the current management-created staffing grids. We are ready to put this strike behind us and get back to work, and as soon as Catholic Health agrees to staffing ratios that are safe for staff and patients, we can do that.
Statement From Dennis Trainor, Vice President of CWA District One On Bargaining With Catholic Health
