Matthew Yarnell: Latest News

Pennsylvania - Hundreds of workers from 14 Pennsylvania nursing homes went on strike Friday after contract negotiations failed to produce a deal, frustrating state officials who recently approved an aid package meant to bolster staff recruitment and retention in the long-term care industry.About 700 unionized workers walked off the job in a dispute over pay, benefits and staffing levels. Photos and video on social media showed picket lines going up outside many of the homes, with workers carrying signs and wearing the purple T-shirts of their union, SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania."Our goal has always been — and continues to be — to get a fair contract that invests in this entire workforce and will meaningfully address the staffing crisis," said Matthew Yarnell, SEIU president.He accused the nursing home operators of "failing to create the kind of wage scales we’ve been able to achieve with other providers."Talks began Thursday morning and ended early Friday without an agreement, with no new negotiations scheduled.