Strike Looms as Mount Nittany Informs Patients and Takac Calls for Negotiations

Overview of the Potential Strike

Approximately 950 employees at Mount Nittany Medical Center are preparing to initiate a five-day strike starting on Monday. This potential work stoppage has sparked concern among local leaders and community members, with some urging for a return to negotiations to avoid the disruption.

State Rep. Paul Takac, a Democrat representing College Township in Centre County, has called on Mount Nittany management to re-enter discussions with the unionized workers represented by SEIU Healthcare PA. Takac emphasized the importance of reaching a fair and equitable agreement, stating that the strike could negatively impact not only the workers but also the broader community.

Background on Negotiations

The negotiations between the hospital and the union began on April 29, with the previous three-year contract for unionized employees expiring on June 30. Since then, there has been no new agreement in place. The workers are seeking across-the-board wage increases that would keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living, as well as improvements in staffing and workplace safety.

Mount Nittany Management initially offered a three-year deal that included 3% raises in the first year, followed by 2% in the next two years. Additionally, the proposal included an extra 2% for registered nurses in 19 positions, along with adjustments for weekend and preceptor differentials, and various workplace safety measures.

Revised Proposal and Union Response

In the latest round of negotiations on Tuesday, the hospital presented a revised proposal aimed at avoiding a strike. According to a hospital spokesperson, this proposal included a one-year contract extension with a 3% across-the-board wage increase for all unionized workers. It also featured a $1,000 ratification bonus for every employee in the bargaining unit, wage scale upgrades for 18 job classifications, and new investments in workplace safety.

However, union members expressed disappointment with the new proposal, stating that it "moves us backward, not forward." Alicia Sowash, a nutrition and culinary services worker at the medical center, highlighted the dissatisfaction within the union. She criticized Mount Nittany leadership, including President and CEO Kathleen Rhine, for not being present to provide the necessary authority to make a more favorable offer.

Financial Considerations

Union members have pointed out that Mount Nittany has a healthy balance sheet and has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into new facilities. This sentiment was echoed by Takac, who urged the hospital to invest in its employees given the significant profits and infrastructure investments.

"At a time of significant profits and major investments in physical infrastructure and facilities, Mount Nittany Medical Center must also make an investment in the people who make those profits and that success happen," Takac stated. He emphasized that the standard of living and personal safety of frontline healthcare and support employees should not be sacrificed for corporate and executive profits.

Hospital's Response and Patient Impact

Mount Nittany officials have maintained that their proposals represent "a meaningful investment in our employees while ensuring Mount Nittany Health remains a strong, independent health system for the future."

The hospital has comprehensive plans in place to ensure patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care with minimal disruption. The medical center, emergency department, physician offices, and outpatient practices will remain open, and patients should keep scheduled appointments unless contacted otherwise.

Some lab and imaging locations will see temporary closures or changes in hours during the week of July 27-31. Specifically, the following locations will be closed:

Mount Nittany Health Lab – Penns Valley
Mount Nittany Health Lab – Bellefonte
Mount Nittany Medical Center Outpatient Lab
Mount Nittany Health Imaging – Penns Valley

Other locations will operate with adjusted hours:

Mount Nittany Health Lab – Philipsburg: Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Tuesday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Mount Nittany Health Lab – Blue Course Drive: Monday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., Tuesday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Mount Nittany Health Lab – Hospital Drive: Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Picketing is expected to occur each day off of Mount Nittany Health property. Unionized employees have been notified that their pay, benefits, and building access will be suspended during the strike. Bargaining unit employees are eligible to continue health coverage through COBRA.

This potential strike marks the first work stoppage at Mount Nittany Medical Center since July 2004, when workers went on strike over mandatory overtime issues.

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