BMH, technicians union have tentative contract
Independence Health System’s Butler Memorial Hospital and the union representing 235 medical technicians and other employees said they have reached a tentative contract agreement, avoiding a strike planned for next week.
The hospital and the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals announced the agreement for the union’s first contract Wednesday, saying the deal followed negotiations that focused on supporting the workforce while safeguarding the hospital’s ability to provide reliable, high-quality care.
The agreement strengthens staffing stability and reinforces the hospital’s commitment to patient safety, a respectful workplace and continued investment in services patients need, according to a joint statement from the hospital and union.
“We appreciate the efforts on both sides that helped us reach an agreement,” said Matthew Schnur, president of Butler Memorial and Clarion hospitals. “It supports the team members who deliver care every day and allows us to keep our full focus where it belongs — on safe, compassionate, high-quality care for our patients and the community we serve.”
“We are proud that through hard conversations, persistence and a shared commitment to our patients and community, we were able to come to an agreement together. This contract reflects what can happen when hospital staff, management and the community stay focused on respect, collaboration and providing quality care for everyone we serve,” said Monica Johnson, respiratory therapist at the hospital.
The union and hospital said they expect the agreement to be ratified in the coming days.
Wages, staffing and healthcare costs were major issues in the negotiations, according to the union. New tech hires often receive higher pay than experienced techs who train them, 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 sides exchanged contract proposals Monday when union members accused the hospital of dragging its feet over 10 months of bargaining.
Members voted last month to authorize a potential strike and announced plans for the five-day strike beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 19.
Surgical technicians, respiratory therapists, radiology technicians, LPNs and other workers voted in May 2025 to join the union.
