Barton nurses rescind notice to strike; Head back to the bargaining table

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Monday, the California Nurses Association notified Barton Health they were withdrawing its strike notice and both sides will be heading back to the bargaining table on February 19.

On February 5, Barton Health received a 10-day notice that their nurses intended to go on a one-day strike February 15, citing frustrations that negotiations weren't progressing fast enough and addressing their key issues of wages and benefits.

Barton was going to hire replacement nurses for the strike, but the company they contract with to supply them would have been for a five-day minimum, keeping the nurses out until February 20.

"In response to this notice, Barton agreed to cancel the use of the replacement nurses," said Barton spokesperson Mindi Befu. "Accordingly, Barton RNs will work their normal schedules, and Barton Health will be fully operational."

"Barton Health looks forward to continuing discussions and working collaboratively toward a fair and equitable contract for all," added Befu.

At this time the nurse's union has not responded to requests for comment.