Mercy Hospital nurses reject contract

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The registered nurses of Mercy Hospital voted down a tentative agreement with Catholic Health Monday night, a move that may mean the RNs will strike.

Service, technical and clerical associates accept a new four-year contract. It's the second time in three weeks the two groups, both represented by CWA Local 1133, voted on an agreement. After the first vote was rejected by both groups, a federal mediator met with all parties and revised the tentative agreement.

Hospital spokesperson JoAnn Cavanaugh said, "We are encouraged that our service, technical and clerical associates recognize the value of this contract, however, it is very disappointing that a tentative agreement reached with the full support of the union would once again be turned down by our registered nurses."

News 4 has not heard from the union on the vote by the nurses. In a statement, Catholic Health said:

"Mercy Hospital remains committed to providing safe, high quality, and compassionate care to its community. Should the hospital receive a strike notice on behalf of the nurses, it has a solid contingency plan in place to ensure uninterrupted care to its patients."