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Johnathan Dunnam, J.P. Mergenschroer, D.J. Williams and Mary Fantroy picket outside Singing River Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Moss Point on July 8, 2014. IBEW Local 733 is helping the employees. (April Havens/ahavens@al.com)
MOSS POINT, Mississippi -- Employees of Singing River Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Moss Point are picketing this week after they say the company hasn't responded to requests for a small raise and better work schedules.
Mary Fantroy, a nurse at the center for nine years, said Tuesday that employees want a 3 percent flat raise for all employees and a better schedule for weekend work.
She said employees want a weekend off every three weeks rather than every six weeks.
"We're not asking for too much, I don't think," Fantroy said. "We work hard, and we haven't had a raise in four or five years. The cost of living is going up every year."
The company hasn't been responsive so far, so employees are picketing with the help of IBEW Local 733.
A strike could be possible later, union business manager J.P. Mergenschroer said.
Local 733 represents the center's about 80 employees, he said.
On Tuesday, Mergenschroer, Fantroy and others held signs and waved at the corner of Main Street and Jefferson Avenue. Passersby honked and gave them thumbs up.
Fantroy said employees had to picket the last time they got a raise.
"We'll stay out here until something happens," she said Tuesday.
Singing River Rehabilitation representative did not respond to requests for comment.