Letter from the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation Urging Tenet Corporation to Settle Contract with Nurses

Congress of the United States
Washington, DC  20515

May 3, 2000

Jeffrey Barbakow
Chairman and Chief Executive Operator
Tenet Healthcare Corporation
3820 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA  93105

Dear Mr. Barbakow,

We are writing to urge you to come to Worcester, Massachusetts and conduct face-to-face negotiations in order to settle this labor dispute between Tenet Healthcare Corporation and the nurses employed at St. Vincent's Hospital.  We join other elected officials and heads of private companies in urging a renewed focus and commitment to a compromise in this labor dispute.

We are seeking a quick, fair resolution of this dispute because we are concerned about the lasting impact of this strike on Worcester and Central Massachusetts.  The nurses on strike are trained experts in their field and we believe that patient safety and the quality of care for the patients at St. Vincent's Hospital could be compromised the longer this strike continues.  Tenet Healthcare Corporation has made a significant investment in the City of Worcester with the construction and recent opening of the Medical City Campus.  Now we must begin to nurture and develop a strong partnership with the Worcester community.

Your direct participation will undoubtedly be a gesture that Tenet Healthcare Corporation is committed to ending this strike amicably.  A compromise and quick resolution to this strike are beneficial to all parties and we encourage you to travel to Worcester to complete these negotiations.  We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Edward M. Kennedy   
John F. Kerry   
James P. McGovern
John F. Tierney   
Joe Moakley   
John W. Olver
William Delahunt   
Michael Capuano  
Edward J. Markey
Richard E. Neal   
Barney Frank   
Marty Meehan
 

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