March 2, 2004

Dear Colleagues:

This morning at 7 a.m., the contract extension between The Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1199E-DC expired.

With the expiration of the contract, the Hospital will maintain normal business operations. The negotiation teams for the Hospital and SEIU will continue to negotiate in good faith to attempt to reach an agreement that is both fair to our represented employees and compatible with the goals of the organization. I know many of you are concerned about a possible strike. Remember that the union must give us ten days notice prior to their intent to strike. We have received no such notice to date.

Pamela D. Paulk
Vice President, Human Resources