Community Health Systems' hospitals in Spokane, Wash., say they've reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement with a labor group that represents 950 hospital employees -- thereby narrowly avoiding a one-day labor strike scheduled for today.

The SEIU Healthcare 1999 NW had taken CHS before the National Labor Relations Board last month, alleging CHS had broken promises to maintain services at the facilities and never reached a fair labor contract with workers after it bought the hospitals in 2008. The hearing had been postponed to allow both sides additional negotiation time. "We value all of our employees and are very glad to have reached mutually acceptable agreements for those covered by collective bargaining agreements," said Deaconess Medical Center CEO William Gilbert in a statement. The agreements still require approval by union members. A statement from the SEIU indicated members will ratify the agreements tomorrow and Friday.