Despite the chill in the air, registered nurses from Geisinger facilities in Luzerne County commenced a five-day strike early Monday, standing firm against the health system in pursuit of a new labor agreement.
“A little bit of cold isn’t gonna scare us off. We know why we’re here, so having that purpose definitely keeps us warm,” said James Taylor, a trauma nurse and union member.
The strike follows unsuccessful contract negotiations since the previous agreement ended on January 31. Approximately 800 nurses from Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, and Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, all represented by SEIU Healthcare PA, are involved in the walkout.
Geisinger facilities remain operational with experienced registered nurses overseeing patient care. The health system announced that it does not anticipate delaying any procedures or elective surgeries during the strike.
‘It’s disappointing’
Negotiations between the nurses and Geisinger have been ongoing since November. Union members had previously voted to authorize a strike if necessary before the contract expired, yet discussions persisted.
In a last-minute attempt to forestall the strike, union members held a rally on Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square on February 5, just before a scheduled negotiation session on February 6.
Union members expressed dissatisfaction with Geisinger’s response to issues like understaffing, low wages, healthcare affordability, and workplace safety. Consequently, a 10-day strike notice was issued after the February 6 discussions.
“It’s disappointing. I think it’s all frustrating,” shared trauma nurse Sabrina Piedra.
“We know we’re doing the right thing, and I think that helps a lot. Nurses are nothing if not adaptable,” Piedra added.
Geisinger defends proposals
Geisinger asserts its commitment to “good-faith bargaining to reach a mutually agreeable labor contract,” according to statements given to WVIA.
“A strike is the last thing we wanted to see happen,” stated Brion Lieberman, Geisinger’s chief human resources officer.
Lieberman emphasized Geisinger’s offer of a starting salary exceeding $85,000 annually for full-time staff, complete with annual raises and comprehensive health benefits.
Geisinger expressed hope that SEIU would return to the negotiation table to finalize a mutually acceptable contract.
Nurses have signaled they may extend the strike if their demands are not met but remain hopeful that a five-day strike will suffice.
“Everyone here on this line loves this community and would much rather be inside. None of us are here because we want to be,” Piedra noted.
“We just need to be able to eat and see our doctors ourselves and afford health care. That’s all we’re asking for,” she added.
Temporary staff brought in
To maintain operations, Geisinger has called in temporary staff during the strike.
Renee Blakiewicz, R.N., vice president and chief nursing officer for Geisinger’s northeast region, stated, “We have activated a contingency plan that includes bringing in additional staff on a temporary basis so these critical health care resources in Luzerne County can operate business as usual.”
Union members claim that Geisinger is spending $5 million on out-of-state replacement nurses, who will earn $100 per hour during the strike. “Instead of investing in the nurses, local nurses that live in this community and work in this hospital every day, they’d rather spend that money, enormous, egregious amounts of money, on very expensive, inefficient travel nurses to come and break the strike,” Taylor remarked.
Geisinger did not confirm or deny the reported costs of replacement nurses when questioned by WVIA.
A statement from Geisinger noted the challenges of high operating costs and low reimbursements, particularly from the Federal Government. Despite these challenges, they continue to offer competitive compensation and benefits to union-affiliated registered nurses.
On the picket line
Despite the cold, spirits were high among the nurses on the picket line. Local businesses, including Abide Coffeehouse, provided warm refreshments to support the striking nurses.
At Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, nurses were seen bundled up as they demonstrated across from the hospital, receiving supportive honks from passing cars.
“The vibes are good,” Taylor commented. “The vibes are strong. Really good turnout and a ton of support from the community.”
The strike involves rotating four-hour shifts at various Luzerne County locations. Planned activities include pickets, a “Rally to Shine a Light on the Crisis at Geisinger,” and a “Care-A-Van” event.
The union is also organizing a gathering on February 22 to ensure no lockout occurs before nurses return to work.
Taylor emphasized the desire to make Geisinger a premier place for a nursing career, stating, “We’re trying to make this the best place to work and a place where we can really have a career.”
He concluded with a message to Geisinger: “Invest in us. This is the level-one trauma center for the whole area. You need to have the best nurses at the bedside to provide the care that this community deserves.”
