Pat Tanner, chief negotiator for the KNA/WVNA, reported Wednesday that progress had been made in negotiations with ARH during their meeting.

"For the first time during this seven-week strike, meaningful progress was made on several issues. We are very encouraged that ARH has agreed to further negotiations in an effort to resolve this dispute," Tanner said. "If progress continues on Friday, we are prepared to continue meeting over the weekend, around the clock, in an effort to reach a fair agreement while maintaining patient safety."

Tanner said the nurses would spend today reviewing proposals presented by ARH officials during Wednesday's negotiations and preparing for Friday's session.

ARH officials reported that discussions focused on the union's economic proposals and mandatory overtime.

ARH President and CEO Jerry Haynes also said progress had been made during the meeting, including ARH's response to the union's economic proposals as well as a continuation of the discussions related to mandatory overtime.

Representatives from the offices of West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin and Kentucky Gov.-elect Steve Beshear attended the meeting.

According to Haynes, the union had issued a press release asking for the representatives of Manchin and Beshear to issue a written fact-finding report that proposes fair terms to end the strike.