Singing a Victory Tune in Altoona

ALTOONA, PENNSYLVANIA

It took a 14-day strike to demonstrate the grit of the employees of Altoona General Hospital. But when the strike was over, there was no doubt that the members of AFSCME Local 3156 (Council 13) had not only grit but leverage as well.

The nearly 700-member local won a contract that increases pay by 6.25 percent over the next three years; contains provisions to reduce excessive mandatory overtime; and provides a mechanism to initiate and appeal changes to the employees’ prescription-drug program.

In addition, the hospital agreed to a union demand that — for seniority purposes — time spent on the picket line will be counted as time worked. And because medical coverage ceased during the strike, the members will not be penalized for pre-existing conditions when they regain their coverage.

Negotiations began on June 1, 2000. The very next day, management acknowledged rumors that it would furlough 79 employees, a move union officials said was intended to intimidate. And so it appeared to be: Two months after those layoffs, management posted 68 new jobs.

Despite the presence of a federal mediator, negotiations broke down. Members rejected a contract proposal by a 5-1 margin and went on strike Aug. 28, although they did not boycott the hospital. Nor did they harass the scabs who were brought in. Instead, the picketers serenaded. Among the songs: “When the Union Goes Marching Out, I Want to be in That Number.”

Public support grew as the strike went on. Farmers donated corn to members and their families. Marching in a Labor Day Parade, the strikers were cheered by spectators. After a mediator called both sides back to the bargaining table, AFSCME presented its proposal for a new contract. About 90 minutes later, the hospital accepted it — including a demand that all the employees be allowed to return to work immediately.