This story has been updated with additonal information.
Contract talks have been extended between Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 205, which represents the majority of the hospital’s employees, until Nov. 9.
Both the union and hospital announced the extension of talks on Thursday, which is when the two contracts – one for the registered nurses and the other for the service and tech employees – were set to expire. Brad Rayson, SEIU senior staff representative, said physicians are not represented by the union.
MMC officials said in a statement that the hospital and the union have been engaged in weekly contract negotiations since Aug. 15.
“The hospital has entered negotiations with a fair and balanced approach, aiming to reward and retain current employees, recruit new team members, and establish a long-term plan to safeguard the future of our community’s hospital during these uncertain financial times,” the statement reads. It also emphasizes that the negotiations happen offsite and don’t affect the care given to patients by employees.