A local union postponed a walkout event after three hospitals offered contract extensions.

Three hospitals offer extensions

A local union for health care and public service employees has postponed plans for a walkout after securing contract extensions at three HCA Healthcare hospitals.

The event would have been a continuation of Service Employees International Union Local 1107’s three-week-long Walk Out Wednesday campaign. According to a news release, the previous protests led to contract extensions at three Las Vegas-area hospitals

e union said it postponed HCA hospital workers’ walkout plans “as a sign of good faith” and the company’s willingness to offer a contract extension.

“It is encouraging to see that HCA is taking steps to put the best interests of its employees and service to our community as a priority by continuing to negotiate in good faith with the members of SEIU 1107,” Clark County Commission Chairwoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick said in the release. “Reaching an agreement at HCA’S three area hospitals is a way to demonstrate a genuine appreciation for all our healthcare heroes’ sacrifices.”

Grace Vergara-mactal, executive director of SEIU Local 1107, said HCA’S extension proposal “is the right thing to do for Nevadans.”

“No one wants to work in a health care setting and feel undervalued, especially during this pandemic,” she said.

Respiratory therapist Rich Baenen said the bargaining team looks forward to negotiating with HCA on a contract that “honors and rewards” frontline workers.