Catholic Health is still waiting for CWA to provide a formal, written response to its last, comprehensive offer as the union’s strike enters Day 4. Further, CWA has not provided the hospitals with a written proposal or written counter proposal on any major economic bargaining topic since September 19.
“The hospitals’ bargaining committee continues to wait for the union to respond in writing to our last offer,” JoAnn Cavanaugh said. “Yesterday, the hospitals’ bargaining committee made itself available to the union through video conference. We opened a line and were on it. The mediator also was on the line. The union did not show up.”
“We stand firm on our position that until CWA responds to us in writing, and until it can control its followers on the picket line and bargaining committee members, Catholic Health will be available to meet with CWA’s bargaining committee virtually,” Cavanaugh said. “If there is still any confusion, we’re available to answer any questions the union may have.”
The hospital’s last offer is a fair contract with market-competitive wages that maintains existing benefits and presents a strong, long-term solution to address staffing. The next appropriate step is for the union to formally respond to the hospitals’ offer in writing.