Workers Extend Contract; PG Hospital to Remain Open

The Prince George's County Executive and County Council agreed Wednesday afternoon to continue funding the PG County Hospital through 2008.In an effort to help keep Prince George's hospitals open, the 1,800 healthcare workers at Prince George's hospital system voted Tuesday to extend their current collective bargaining agreement by six months. "This vote represents how dedicated these workers are to saving these hospitals.” said Quincey Gamble, Political Director of 1199 SEIU Healthcare Workers East. “They are willing to do anything to keep the hospital afloat and functioning for this community," The current contract with 1199 SEIU expires on April 30. "Their commitment is remarkable,” said Gable, “and it is our hope that it will be matched by those who are negotiating to keep the hospitals open." Added Debbie Wilkes, a neo-natal ICU nurse who has worked at Prince George's Hospital Center for over 30 years, "I love the hospital and working with my patients. My co-workers and I have made this sacrifice and we hope that the elected leaders will do what is necessary to save this hospital." The contract extension is the latest in a series of significant concessions made by the workers as the hospital has struggled to stay open over the last several years.  Nurses at the hospitals have not gotten raises in two years and are among the lowest paid nurses in the region, reports 1199 SEIU. The tuition and education fund for training healthcare workers has been frozen indefinitely. 1199 SEIU members at April 5 Prince George's Hospital rally, photos by Chris Garlock