MNA Blog

Recent news and updates from the Minnesota Nurses Association.

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In: Governor, Minnesota Department of Health, Nurses, Press Releases, Public Health, Unions

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Contact: Laurie Laker
 (c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org 

(St. Paul) – March 28, 2025 – A recent announcement by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz rolling back the state telework policy has left Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) members working for the state of Minnesota shocked and frustrated. Governor Walz’s mandate would give state employees just over 9 weeks to make this adjustment, requiring them to work onsite at least 50% of their working days each month. Nurses expect this policy reversal to have a chilling effect on the state’s progress in hiring nurses for much needed roles in state agencies 

Nursing roles within the state of Minnesota have been historically difficult to fill due to the significantly lower salaries offered by the state.
… Read more about: Minnesota nurses rebuke Governor’s directive to return to office  »

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In: Healthcare, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Nurses Association, Nurses, Patient Safety, Patient Safety Standards, Press Releases

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Contact: Laurie Laker
(c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org 

(St. Paul) – March 27, 2025 – The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) is raising the alarm about devastating impacts that will come because of the $226 million federal funding cut to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). This funding loss threatens to create an immediate and significant public health crisis across our state.  

As a leading voice of public health and patient advocacy in the state, the duty of nurse extends far beyond the bedside. Nurses are advocates for public health and committed to protecting our patients and the communities we serve.
… Read more about: Minnesota nurses stand against devastating cuts to public health funding     »

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In: HCMC, Hennepin Healthcare, Nurses, Press Releases, Unions

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Contact: Laurie Laker 
(c) 612-741-0662 
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org   

(St. Paul) – March 27, 2025 – With the resignation of Jennifer DeCubellis as CEO of Hennepin Healthcare, nurses represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) are calling for a new direction in leadership—one that prioritizes public service, patient care, and worker respect. 

Hennepin Healthcare nurses overwhelmingly cast a vote of “No Confidence” in DeCubellis in November 2023, citing harmful decisions that increased healthcare costs for workers, undermined labor rights, and reduced essential services. While her departure is long overdue, the need for strong, collaborative leadership has never been greater. 
… Read more about: MNA HHS Tri-Chairs welcome DeCubellis’ departure from Hennepin Healthcare   »

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In: Bargaining, Education, Labor Unions, Member Blog, Metro Bargaining, Nursing, Pension, Unions

As a nurse at a Twin Cities hospital, you undoubtedly recognize the importance of the MNA Twin City Pension Plan. But how well do you really understand it? What does it offer you? How can you tap into this powerful benefit? Let’s uncover the details that make this pension plan a cornerstone of your financial future! 

What Makes the MNA Pension Plan Stand Out? 

Established in 1962, the MNA Twin City Pension Plan is not just any retirement plan; it’s the nation’s pioneering multi-employer defined benefit pension plan. This groundbreaking initiative is the result of dedicated negotiations between the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) and leading local hospitals such as Allina, Children’s, Fairview-HealthEast, Methodist, and North Memorial. 
… Read more about: Unlocking the Power of Your MNA Twin City Pension Plan   »

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In: Elections, Home, Labor Unions, Nurses, Politics, Press Releases

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Contact: Laurie Laker 

(c) 612-741-0662 

laurie.laker@mnnurses.org  

  

(St. Paul) – February 27, 2025 – Nurses of the Minnesota Nurses Association today announced their endorsement of David Gottfried for the House District 40B special election of the Minnesota House of Representatives. The election will be held on March 11, 2025. 

Candidates who receive endorsements are recognized for their commitment to standing with nurses and addressing the pressing challenges facing both healthcare professionals and patients. To secure this support, candidates must demonstrate a clear dedication to improving working conditions for nurses, strengthening patient care, and resisting the increasing corporatization and consolidation of the healthcare system.
… Read more about: Nurses announce endorsement for Minnesota House District 40B special election  »

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In: Essentia, Home, Labor Unions, Nurse Staffing, Nurses, Nurses Strike, Organizing, Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Laurie Laker
(c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org

(Duluth) – January 30, 2025 – Last night Essentia Health-Sandstone nurses represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) voted overwhelmingly to authorize an unfair labor practice strike if contract negotiations with the employer continue to stall.  Their contract expired on August 1, 2024, and, while they have been bargaining since July, nurses have made little progress with the employer on key issues like wages and staff retention.

Nurses at Sandstone have long been facing issues around staffing conditions, continually raising concerns about staff retention, nurses stepping away from the bedside, and now a cross-facility floating proposal from Essentia.
… Read more about: Essentia-Health Sandstone nurses vote to authorize strike amid faltering contract negotiations  »

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In: Elections, Home, Legislative Policy, Press Releases

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Contact: Laurie Laker
(c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – January 24, 2025 – Nurses of the Minnesota Nurses Association today announced their endorsement of Doron Clark for the Senate District 60 special election of the Minnesota Senate.

Endorsed candidates are recognized for their leadership and collaboration with nurses to address critical issues affecting both nurses and patients. To earn nurses’ endorsement, candidates must show dedication to MNA priorities, including resolving the nurse retention and patient care crisis, opposing the growing corporatization and consolidation in healthcare, and advocating for workers’ rights to a collective voice that upholds dignity and respect in the workplace.
… Read more about: Nurses announce endorsement for Minnesota State Senate District 60 special election  »

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In: Elections, Home, Labor Unions, Minnesota Nurses Association, North Memorial, Organizing, Press Releases, Unions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Laurie Laker
(c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – January 24, 2025 – On January 23, an overwhelming majority of Registered Nurses (RNs) at North Memorial’s Maple Grove Hospital voted to join the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA). With nearly 600 nurses in the bargaining unit, this landmark decision reflects a growing movement among healthcare professionals to strengthen their collective voice and advocate for better working conditions, fair compensation, and enhanced patient care.

Nurses at Maple Grove Hospital came together to seek union representation as a clear demonstration of their commitment to enhancing their workplace, standing in solidarity with one another, and ensuring top-quality care for their patients.
… Read more about: MNA welcomes nearly 600 nurses as Maple Grove Hospital joins union  »

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In: Elections, Home, Labor Unions, Nurses, Organizing, Press Releases, Unions

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Contact: Laurie Laker
(c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – January 21, 2025 – Last week, a group of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in Center City, MN have voted overwhelmingly to join the existing Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) as a new bargaining unit.  

The bargaining unit of 56 nurses includes 11 LPNs and 45 RNs, and each group voted in strong support of unionizing. This decision comes in response to growing frustrations among nurses, particularly after management removed benefits for employees working under a .75 full-time equivalent (FTE). 
… Read more about: Nurses at Center City’s Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation vote for MNA representation  »

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In: Healthcare, Home, Labor Unions, National Nurses United, Nurses, Press Releases, Uncategorized

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Contact: Laurie Laker
(c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – January 16, 2025 – The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA), representing more than 22,000 nurses across the state, joins the nation’s largest union of registered nurses, National Nurses United (NNU), in celebrating the recognition of nurses as the most honest and ethical profession for the 23rd year in a row, according to the annual Gallup Honesty and Ethics poll.

“Nurses are deeply honored by this recognition from the public, which reaffirms the trust we work so hard to build every day,” said Chris Rubesch, RN, MNA President.
… Read more about: Nurses voted most honest and ethical profession for 23rd consecutive year  »