By organizing with MNA you’ll be joining together with 22,000 MNA nurses in Minnesota and surrounding states, as well as 250,000 nurses nationwide as part of National Nurses United (NNU). That means you won’t be alone at the bargaining table—instead, you’ll multiply your power, leverage, and support. You’ll also have seasoned members and professional staff at both the local and national level to share their expertise and help you organize and bargain a contract at your facility.
If you want to learn more about the steps it takes to form a union and make positive improvements in your workplace, contact mnaorganizing@mnnurses.org.
What Happens When You Organize?
Organizing takes time
Shh! Organizing Underground
Filing for Election
What the Boss Will Say
At the point of filing for an election, or sometimes sooner, your manager will find out that you and your coworkers are trying to form a union. They won’t be happy, and they will fight back as hard as they can. This can be scary if you don’t know what to expect, but luckily, the boss is very predictable, and they all use the same playbook to try to discourage your union drive.
“By voting in a union you are just bringing a third party between you and your manager.”
THE TRUTH:
Remember, YOU are the union. You and your co-workers are the ones who have the power and make the decisions. Together, you are the ones who decide what you want, vote for your representatives, negotiate with the employer, and enforce your contract. A union is workers like you, standing together and amplifying your voice and your power.
“Union dues are expensive, and you could spend your money on better things.”
THE TRUTH:
Because the employers we’re up against are powerful organizations with deep pockets and the willingness to spend whatever it takes to keep their power, we must fund our union efforts through dues. You don’t start paying dues until you ratify a contract. Dues for RNs are $79.40 a month, or approximately two hours of pay per month. The dues amount is set by the MNA Board of Directors who are all active members in good standing who have been democratically elected by MNA members.
“You’re going to be forced to go on strike all the time.”
THE TRUTH:
Strikes are the final tool in a union’s toolbox, which makes them very rare. There are many steps and collective actions that union members will take part in prior to even considering a strike. Some of these actions include wearing a union button or t-shirt, presenting a demand petition, informational picketing, and more. To go on strike, it first must be authorized by at least two-thirds of you and your coworkers in a vote, though many unions will not go out on strike without at least 90% support. Strikes also only happen after many months of bargaining for important contract issues that you haven’t gotten yet. Only you and your coworkers will decide whether or not you will go on strike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a union?
A labor union is a group of workers who come together to have a voice in their workplace and make positive change.
Why do nurses need a union?
With a union contract, nurses are advocating for both the nursing profession and patient care. Nursing unions have created new standards for worker and patient protections. A union allows nurses to have a real voice in patient care decisions which creates safer hospitals.
Without a union, the employer has 100% of the power to change your working conditions however they want at any time. Nurses in non-union hospitals do not have the strengths or protections of nurses in union hospitals. Unionized nurses have guaranteed rights, a contract to hold their employer accountable to, and the knowledge that their workplace won’t be changed without nurses’ input.
How long does it take to unionize?
Every union campaign is different. In order to have the best chance at winning your union election, you’ll want to make sure that you have support that is felt both deeply and widely across your workplace.
What's my role as a union member?
Members are the backbone of a union, and that is where your power comes from. It is well documented that the most powerful unions with the best contracts are the ones that have the highest member participation. That means that if you want a strong and robust contract, members need to get involved. You will be provided with all the training you will need, from organizing and bargaining to mobilizing and taking actions against your manager, and understanding the contract and filing grievances.
I know someone in another hospital who wants to unionize. What should I do?
Tell them to contact mnaorganizing@mnnurses.org. We’ll have one of our dedicated staff organizers reach out to them with more information.
What hospitals are already represented by MNA?
A list of all MNA-represented facilities can be found on our Represented Facilities page.