ACMH, Workers Extend Talks

By Mitch Fryer, The Leader-Times, Kittanning, Pa.

Jun. 23–EAST FRANKLIN — Contract talks between ACMH Hospital and its nonprofessional workers have been extended until July 8 while union and hospital officials continue to negotiate the noneconomic issues of the deal.

The three-year contract for the more than 200 clerks, nurses aides, dietary, pharmacy technicians, housekeeping and other nonprofessional workers represented by United Steel Workers Union Local 158-06 expires June 27.

The membership voted for the extension after meeting Friday afternoon at the Belmont Complex.

“Both parties agree there should be a labor agreement in place by then (July 8),” said David Wolfe, international union representative. “We’ve also agreed that the terms be retroactive to June 27.”

Wolfe said the focus of discussions is about changes in the previous agreement in areas such as staff to patient ratios, scheduling, hours and call-in procedures.

In regard to the financial terms of the contract, Wolfe said the hospital has given raises to other departments in recent agreements, and he expects his members will be offered similar increases in wages.

Under their last contract, the nonprofessional workers received 35-cent-an-hour increases in each of the three years.

The union is expected to vote on the contract on July 8.

Mitch Fryer can be reached at mfryer@tribweb.com or 724-543-1303, ext. 242.

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