By: Steve Ferris, Eagle Staff Writer
Technicians at Butler Memorial Hospital said Friday they will stage a five-day strike from May 19 to 24.
The announcement came after 235 surgical techs, respiratory therapists, licensed practical nurses, radiology techs and other healthcare workers began negotiating with the hospital for their first union contract. The strike would begin 6 a.m. on May 19 and end 6 a.m. on May 24.
In April, the employees overwhelmingly voted to authorize a potential strike. The strike authorization vote allows the union’s bargaining committee to submit a 10-day strike notice.
On May 22, 2025, the techs voted to join the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals union, which represents nurses at the hospital. The union said wages, staffing and healthcare cost increases have been the central issues since negotiations began.
“The community depends on us to provide care for their families,” says CT technician and bargaining committee member Tara Erskine, an eight-year hospital veteran. “All we’re asking of Independence Health (System) is that they value both care for the community and those of us providing that care.”
Since the hospital doesn’t have a wage scale for techs, new hires often receive higher pay than the experienced techs training them, according to the union. Tech wages are below the market and that of nearby hospitals, and most haven’t received a raise in two years or longer.
The union said the hospital is resisting safe staffing provisions in the contract even though turnover is high. A cap on healthcare costs is also being sought by the union.
