Possible Strike at Women and Children's Hospital?

A contract dispute between the union that represents nurses at Women and Children's Hospital and Kaleida has some worrying about a possible strike.

The hospital says it would be a disaster, although it does have a contingency plan in place if a strike were to happen.

"We are looking for a negotiated settlement," says Bruce Popper, Vice-President of 1199 SEIU. "It's important we put together a settlement that is both fair and allows Children's and the other hospitals to be competitive."

A mediator has called both sides back to the table on December 23rd. Popper said he does not anticipate a work stoppage before that date.

The hospital asks that there be a 10-day notice if a strike were to happen in order to properly evacuate all patients.

The union, 1199SEIU, represents all nurses, administrative workers and maintenance workers at Women and Children's Hospital. They say the major sticking point centers on retirement benefits.