Heritage Valley In Beaver Faces Strike

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA)- Heritage Valley Health System in Beaver may face a strike if contract agreements are not made within two weeks.

Nurses at the institution voted to strike because they are unhappy with the average pay.

CEO of Heritage Valley Norm Mitry told KDKA's Rob Pratte, "We took an analysis of the nurse's pay scale and found our nurses are getting paid 8 to 14 percent above the median salary in our market."

Mitry said he is prepared if a strike should occur and states, "If there is a strike, it will be a respectful strike. We will remain open and will continue to provide quality care to our patients through contracted nurses and help from our other facilities."

The health care industry has endured several issues lately. Mitry added that health care has become more expensive, making patients forgo seeking care, which results in less jobs.

Listen to Norm Mitry's interview below:

State Senator Elder Vogel who represents the 47th District of Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence counties gave his opinion on the Heritage Valley strike possibility by saying, "Money is the issue, Heritage is trying to save money and nurses are forced to take care of more patients, but hopefully they will reach an agreement soon."

And later, Sen. Vogel told Pratte about a free Kids Extravaganza taking place today at the Beaver County Community College Golden Dome from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. He has organized the event for the past five years which will have plenty of vendors and activities for families to enjoy.

Listen to Sen. Vogel's interview with Rob Pratte below:

Listen to Rob Pratte every Saturday and Sunday morning from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.