Weirton Medical Center officials said the hospital will remain open during service workers' planned work stoppage.

"We are committed to patient care first and foremost. We are well-prepared to care for all of our patients. Sadly the union appears to have different priorities," said Joseph P. Endrich, MD, WMC President and Chief Executive Officer. "Since the beginning of August, we have negotiated in good faith with the union."

About 500 union workers at Weirton Medical Center said they will be off the job in 10 days as a result of a contract dispute. The 10-day notice is required by law before a strike at a health care facility.

In a news release, hospital workers with the Service Employees International Union said the five-day work stoppage will begin at Oct. 16 at 7 a.m. and end Oct. 21 at 7 a.m.

The union includes nurses' aides as well as service, maintenance and technical workers. Weirton Medical Center registered nurses are not represented by a union.

Weirton Medical officials said moving hourly rates to a wage scale is the central issue. The hospital has proposed a wage increase of 9 percent over a three-year term. Hospital officials also said they proposed working with the union to create a wage scale acceptable to both parties.

"We are disappointed in the union's decision. The community relies upon this hospital. We need to make fiscal decisions that enable us to remain viable, not just for today but for the years to come," said Endrich.

Jennifer Farmer, communications director for the union, said workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike.

"This is about basic fairness," said Lisa Minger, a service worker at WMC. "We want what's fair: affordable health insurance and a progressive wage scale that rewards experience and hard work."

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-Renee Cardelli, NEWS9