Key players in the nurses' strike against Appalachian Regional Healthcare get ready to meet with the governor of West Virginia this week.

First they head back to Lexington for more contract talks.

We learned why ARH and Kentucky and West Virginia Nurses Association officials aren't sure what to expect from either meeting.

Officials on all sides of the table are frustrated with little movement forward in a strike entering its eighth week and some ARH officials say the time in between contract meetings adds another roadblock.

KNA representatives say it's not that simple.

“We're going to continue to press the KNA for specifics in those areas that they are still saying we're not in agreement on,” Rick King said.

“We need sufficient staff to deliver safe patient care. We need the appropriate equipment, functioning and working equipment,” Pat Tanner said.

They'll also meet Wednesday with West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, a move union leaders hope will lead to more compromises.

ARH officials say the meeting with Governor Manchin could be counter-productive.

They all hope an agreement is near.

The meeting with Governor Manchin starts Wednesday at 9am.