Caregivers at Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital are preparing for a potential strike as a months-long labor dispute continues over rising health insurance costs and workplace protections.
The union represents workers in several roles, including licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, maintenance workers, dietary and housekeeping employees and other hospital staff.
According to the union, SEIU District 1199, caregivers will "take to the streets for a final countdown workers' march" on Tuesday.
The union said the march is a show of unity before the strike begins.
The march is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital, 1730 W. 25th St., Cleveland.
"The march comes as caregivers continue to fight for a fair contract and critical workplace protections they say Cleveland Clinic has failed to adequately address," the union said.
If an agreement is not reached beforehand, the union said caregivers are prepared to walk off the job Wednesday at noon.
Lutheran Hospital issued the following statement regarding the matter:
“Lutheran Hospital remains fully committed to providing safe, high-quality care to our patients and community. We have comprehensive plans in place to ensure that inpatient care, appointments, and scheduled procedures continue without interruption. Throughout negotiations, we have worked diligently to reach an agreement that recognizes the important contributions of our caregivers while supporting the hospital’s ability to serve patients and the community. We remain committed to our caregivers, our patients, and the long-term success of Lutheran Hospital.”
