MNA Blog (Page 106)

Recent news and updates from the Minnesota Nurses Association.

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In: Politics, Right to Work

I could not have a stronger opinion about this issue.

I am an RN and I just returned to MN after working for 4 years in Texas -a “right to work” state.

I have never in my ENTIRE nursing career felt so powerless to protect my patients. We all worked grueling hours, had grossly inadequate numbers of staff, and absolutely no support network.

It was made clear by non-medical management that we were to do the job and not complain. The message was clear:” You are not valued as an employee and we don’t care about the patient’s welfare.
… Read more about: Real RNs Speak Out Against Right-to-Work: Michelle Donovan  »

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In: Activism, Labor Unions, Nurses, Politics, Right to Work

MNA RNs are weighing in about the devastating impact the so-called “Right to Work” legislation would have on everyday Minnesota families. Here’s just one of the heartfelt letters MNA RNs are sending to their local legislators:

 

I urge you Senator Vandeveer to vote No on the right to work issue.

I have been a RN for almost 20 years and have been supported by my union for as many years.  I also have family and friends who are nurses in southern states and I hear on a daily basis their horror stories.  Unrealistic patient work loads, no support staff, monthly turnover and constantly living under the threat of losing their license if something goes wrong. 
… Read more about: Real RNs Speak Out Against Right-to-Work: Selena Running  »

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In: Activism, Labor Unions, Nurses, Politics, Uncategorized

“Right to Work” is Wrong for Minnesota!
·       Right to Work legislation is unnecessary: it doesn’t actually create any jobs. Minnesota’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average and lower than in Right to Work states. Nurses in Minnesota earn an average of $16,000 more than those in Right to Work states.
·       Right to Work is unfair. It would force dues paying union members to pay for the representation of coworkers that don’t pay anything.
·       Right to work is unsafe: Having a strong, collective voice allows nurses to advocate for safe staffing, safe patient care, and safe working conditions.
… Read more about: Call Your Senator Today to Oppose Right-to-Work  »

On:
In: Activism, Labor Unions, Politics

MNA RNs are weighing in about the devastating impact the so-called “Right to Work” legislation would have on everyday Minnesota families. Here’s just one of the heartfelt letters MNA RNs are sending to their local legislators:

I am writing you to request that you vote “Nay” on the “Right to Work” legislative bill that is currently being reviewed by the Judiciary Committee.  Minnesota currently has some of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. If this bill passes, I can see multiple “layoffs” and firing of workers. This will impact our unemployment rate NEGATIVELY at a time when the GOP is concerned about “jobs, jobs and jobs.”

As a nurse, I can also foresee this bill endangering public safety because it will make it harder for us to advocate for things like better nurse staffing and shorter response times by public servants (like police and firefighters).
… Read more about: Real RNs Speak Out Against Right to Work: Carolyn Jorgenson  »

On:
In: Activism, Labor Unions, Politics

MNA RNs are weighing in about the devastating impact the so-called “Right to Work” legislation would have on everyday Minnesota families. Here’s just one of the heartfelt letters MNA RNs are sending to their local legislators:

I have always enjoyed being in a state that does not penalize workers to make the corporations wealthier. Over the last 20 years our wages have been stagnant while the CEOs and corporations sit on more and more money. Right to Work legislation puts us in the same camp as Mississippi and I for one am appalled. Children in right to work states have higher poverty.
… Read more about: Real RNs Speak Out Against Right To Work: Kathy Westlie  »

On:
In: Activism, Labor Unions, Politics

MNA RNs are weighing in about the devastating impact the so-called “Right to Work” legislation would have on everyday Minnesota families. Here’s just one of the heartfelt letters MNA RNs are sending to their local legislators:

I am writing in opposition to the right to work bill. I would like my voice heard! This bill is totally unnecessary, unfair and furthermost UNSAFE. I am an RN, this amendment would put my patients at risk because it would make it much harder to negotiate and advocate for things like safe staffing.

This amendment will take the power from the workers and put more power into the hands of the CEO’s.
… Read more about: Real RNs Speak Out: Marcia Whitman  »

On:
In: Activism, Labor Unions, Politics

MNA RNs are weighing in about the devastating impact the so-called “Right to Work” legislation would have on everyday Minnesota families. Here’s just one of the heartfelt letters MNA RNs are sending to their local legislators.

On:
In: Activism, Labor Unions, Politics

Today Senator Dave Thompson (R-Lakeville), the author of the so-called “Right to Work” bill, took the unusual step of moving his bill from the Jobs Committee (where it had stalled and possibly didn’t have enough votes to pass) to the Judiciary Committee. As you know, “Right to Work” is a deceptive bill aimed at weakening unions and taking away workers’ voices in their worksites. It is unsafe, unnecessary and unfair: