Labor tensions are mounting at the Jackson Health System, with the public hospitals almost two months into the new fiscal year without crucial union contracts. "They're throwing grenades at us," said Martha Baker, head of SEIU Local 1991, which represents Jackson nurses and other healthcare professionals. She was referring to the recent announcements of two-week furloughs and the elimination of 240 positions. "I think they're going to keep throwing grenades until we come to the table and agree to their demands." But Jackson CEO Carlos Migoya said he's doing what he must to cut labor costs by $120 million in order to meet his break-even budget for a fiscal year that began Oct. 1. "We don't have a labor agreement. Therefore, we have to find other ways to get the savings."
