Nurses Contract Talks Continue
Negotiators were meeting in an effort to head off a strike set for midnight tonight by 5,000 nurses who work at Los Angeles County clinics and hospitals.
Both sides expressed optimism Tuesday that an agreement could be reached.
The county has boosted its offer to a 16.25% pay raise over two years, said Sharon Grimpe, general manager of Service Employees International Union Local 660. The nurses have lowered their demand to a 22% increase over two years.
“We’re optimistic that we can reach agreement,” said Grimpe. “But if we haven’t reached agreement by midnight (tonight), we will be on strike.”
The nurses have been working without a contract since Oct. 1.
The nurses struck for three days in January, 1988, before a judge ordered them back to work. County officials have said they will seek a similar court order in the event of a walkout.
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