About 1,800 health care employees at Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital were still without a contract as negotiations continued Tuesday.

Members of the Michigan Nurses Association announced last week they would support a strike if a resolution didn’t come soon.

The employees have worked without a contract since Oct. 31.

Negotiators said they were far from a finalized contract at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, but discussion would continue.

“That’s usually a positive sign,” said hospital spokeswoman Lorri Rishar. “Both sides remain optimistic that we’re close to an agreement.”

Union members are requesting the elimination of mandatory overtime and the shifting of employees to different hospital units.

Increased wages and retirement benefits will help to improve recruitment and retention, improving quality of service, union members say.

Health and safety issues such as latex allergies, back injuries and violence also are on the list of items to be addressed.

Michigan Nurses Association officials said the loss of nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists and other medical professionals at the hospital would affect each department.

Association spokeswoman Carol Feuss said the negotiations could continue for several days.

State law requires the union give the hospital 10 days notice before striking.

“Because we represent 1,800 people in 40 different categories, there’s not a simple solution,” she said. “You never can tell with negotiations. Sometimes things fall right into place, sometimes they don’t.”

Union members consider the continued negotiations a positive sign, Feuss said.

“It looks like we’ll work into the night,” she said Tuesday night. “I think they’re going to be tired eventually. It’s good - the alternative would be that they’re not talking anymore.”

Jamie Gumbrecht can be reached at gumbrec1@msu.edu.