Minnesota-based Fairview Health Services plans wage freeze

Minnesota-based Fairview Health Services plans to freeze 2009 wages for all employees in hopes of saving $24.5 million. The latest cost reductions by Minneapolis area's second-biggest hospital and clinic chain come after layoffs, reduced pension contributions, and new limits on banked vacation were not enough to match the shortfall in revenues as the economy deteriorated. Fairview now hopes to save $15.6 million by eliminating 2009 pay increases for non-union workers.