St. Elizabeth Medical Center and the New York State Nurses Association are continuing to negotiate a new contract.

The hospital's administrative team and the union held their 28th bargaining session on Monday night to finalize a new, three year contract for nurses at St. E's.

Hospital officials say while there were some positive steps forward, the Nurses Association negotiating team notified St. Elizabeth administration of their intent to hold a one-day strike on September 1st.

Five additional meetings are scheduled between now and August 29th.

Mohawk Valley Health System CEO Scott Perra says the hospital is preparing for the strike and the impact it will have on the hospital, the healthcare system and the community.

“We are evaluating our options with regard to the strike notice and how best to position the organization in response to the notification. Our goal is to ensure access to vital patient services and patient safety. In preparation for the strike action we will have to temporarily reduce services provided at SEMC. We want the community to be assured that we are working with the New York State Department of Health and are implementing the comprehensive plan we have had in place for such an eventuality.” said Perra.

 

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