Temple University, Hospital Employees: We're Ready To Strike
By Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Just days before their contract is set to expire, the union representing around 800 Temple University and Hospital employees held a rally yesterday in Old City. They say they're ready to strike if they have to.
Dressed in blue shirts reading, "We Are One" dozens of members of 1199C, clerical workers and other employees from Temple University and Hospital, rallied for a new deal, saying if there's no deal by July 1st, then they'll go on strike.
Rene Nelson is on the executive board. She says healthcare and raises are the sticking points.
"We're going from a 12 percent increase (over four years.) They're trying to take us down to 2 percent over a four year period."
Nelson says talks with Temple have been "OK" but not where they want them to be.
"It's always personal. Anytime you're talking about not giving us a raise, it's always personal. You're talking about taking benefits from our members, not giving us a raise, taking away our livelihood. That is very personal."
A Temple spokesman says they quote, continue to negotiate in good faith and look forward to reaching an agreement in the near future."
