Progress being made between nurses and St. Elizabeth Medical Center over contracts

By WKTV News

Story Created: Oct 27, 2009 at 11:35 AM EST

Story Updated: Oct 27, 2009 at 11:35 AM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Right now there is still no agreement between the between the more than 500 registered nurses at the hospital and hospital officials however both sides say progress is being made.

In a newly released statement, Mark Genovese of the New York State Nurse's Association says "we made significant progress on Monday, October 26th. At the direction of the federal mediator, we will reconvene on October 28th. The federal mediator has directed the parties to refrain from releasing any details at this point in time."

In response, Patrick Buckley, the Vice President of Human Resources at St. Elizabeth Medical Center said "Negotiations are ongoing. We will reconvene on October 28th and there are no updates to report at this time. We continue to negotiate in good faith."

The nurses have been have working without a contract for almost four months. The nurses union voted last Friday to authorize a strike if progress isn't made. They say they'll hit the picket line next month if no agreements can be reached.
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