RNs at Sanford Bemidji Clinic ratified their first contract in February after being officially recognized as part of MNA last October.
RNs say they’re happy to have a contract that protects patients and nurses alike.
“We’re excited about having a contract that protects our rights and ensures we’re all treated fairly,” said negotiating team member Christine Sheikholeslami.
“The new contract creates a wage scale, so raises are allocated fairly and consistently,” said member Tina Hawver.
Previously, managers gave raises arbitrarily.
The contract raises wages for all members, creates security in scheduling, and provides all other contract language to the Clinic RNs that hospital employees receive, such as more affordable health insurance and a cap on mandatory low-census days.
In 2017, the hospital and clinic nurses will bargain together for a new contract as one united group.