The Green Mountain Care Board will continue to approve the University of Vermont Medical Center’s annual budget as the UVMMC Nurses stage protest.

The nurse’s union called on the board last week to delay approving the budget until a new contract could be ratified between nurses and the medical center, according to an Aug. 15 press release.

The nurses have been in contract negotiations with UVMMC since the end of March. The nurses’ contract with the medical center expired July 9 and held a two day strike just days later.

The nurses are asking for a $15 minimum wage inside the hospital and competitive wages to combat “chronic understaffing” in the medical center and clinics, according to the release.

The nurses are planning a community picket outside Burlington City Hall, where budget talks are being held, Aug. 22 at 8:00 a.m. and a rally at 11:30 a.m., according to the release.