Communications of America Local 1133, representing employees at Mercy Hospital in South Buffalo, have authorized a strike at the Catholic Health facility by a 96 percent vote over the last two days.
The vote does not necessarily mean that there will be a strike, as there are several more bargaining sessions scheduled during July.
However, a statement from JoAnn Cavanaugh, Director of Public Relations for the Catholic Health System, says management cannot support and sustain the more than $80 million economic package presented by the union of registered nurses, technical and clerical workers.
The union says short staffing, filthy facilities, lack of updated equipment and unfair labor conditions are major issues that need addressing.