Locked out workers hold prayer vigil

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Locked-out workers from Blue Cross-Blue Shield are turning to the power of prayer.

Members of the Office and Professional Employees International Union joined faith and clergy leaders for a prayer vigil Thursday outside the company's corporate headquarters. Almost 400 union members have been locked out of their jobs since April 26th when their contract with Blue Cross-Blue Shield expired. They're now relying on unemployment and public assistance to make ends meet.

Rev. Merle Showers of the United Methodist Church said, "It's not fair that they have to spend their days not getting paid trying to be heard. If it were the case, that they're being heard, it would be a different story. But they're not even being heard."

Blue Cross-Blue Shield says it is committed to reaching an agreement with the union, but says it must make advancements in technology in order to keep its rates affordable. You can read a full statement from the company here.