SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Contract talks are continuing but Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center says it's preparing to keep operating in the event of a possible strike by nurses and technicians at the Santa Fe hospital. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that a union that represents the workers presented the hospital with a strike notice Monday after workers voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract proposal.
The notice says a work stoppage is possible if a new contract isn't ratified before July 31. That's when the current contract expires. The hospital's preparations include finding substitutes for workers who could walk out.
Negotiations between the hospital and the union are to resume Thursday. Staffing levels are a major issue.
