MNA Blog (Page 131)

Recent news and updates from the Minnesota Nurses Association.

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In: Bargaining, Hospitals, Labor Unions, Nurses, Nursing, Organizing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: John Nemo, MNA Public Relations, 651-414-2863

ST. PAUL (May 19, 2010) – Twin Cities nurses made history Wednesday by voting to authorize the largest nursing strike in U.S. history, with more than 12,000 RNs ready to walk off the job if a new contract agreement with six Twin Cities hospital systems can’t be reached before June 1, when the current labor deal expires.

Of the 9,000-plus Twin Cities RNs who voted Wednesday, more than 90 percent voted to reject the labor contracts and pension proposals from the hospitals.

“Thousands of us gathered here today for one simple reason,” said Minnesota Nurses Association President Linda Hamilton, an RN in the Children’s Hospital System.
… Read more about: It’s Official: Twin Cities Nurses Authorize Largest Strike in U.S. History  »

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In: Bargaining

Minnesota has been the leader in the nation and in the world for health care.  If this is to continue, the field of nursing needs to be supported.  The outlook for health care is certain in that there will be less health care providers including nurses and doctors taking care of more patients including the baby boomer generation to which my own parents belong.  This ratio can mean only one direction for health care unless priorities change.  We hit a plateau in health care in the last decade and now we are declining.  I work at an inner city private hospital and have for 13 years.  
… Read more about: An Open Letter to MN Politicians from a MN Nurse  »

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In: Bargaining, Hospitals, Labor Unions, Nurses, Nursing

The stats don’t lie – the type of safe staffing language Twin Cities nurses are proposing to Twin Cities hospitals during 2010 contract negotiations not only improves patient safety and quality of care, but it also saves the hospitals money!

Safe staffing ratios save hospitals money

  • Adding 133,000 RNs to the acute care hospital workface across the U.S. would produce medical savings estimated at $6.1 billion in reduced patient care costs, not including the value of increased productivity when nurses help patients recover more quickly, an estimated additional $231 million per year. Combining medical savings with increased productivity, the partial estimates of economic value averages $57,700 for each of the additional 133,000 RNs.

    • … Read more about: MNA’s Proposed Safe Staffing Ratios Would Save Twin Cities Hospitals Money  »

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In: Activism, Bargaining, Politics

To all MNA nurses,

The NNU just had their first National Conference in Washington DC, May 9-12th.  Two other HealthEast Home Care nurses, as well as myself were privileged enough to be able to attend.  Support for the MNA was prevalent, as there were many nurses from many states, cheering and showing their support for MNA.  Linda Hamilton, President of MNA gave a rousing speech about your current contract negotiations.  It was amazing to hear that the same things they are fighting for, are the same things we, at HealthEast, are fighting for as well.  California has already implemented ratios, and the results have been amazing!  
… Read more about: HealthEast HomeCare Nurses Visit D.C., Advocate for MNA  »

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In: Bargaining

The pension bargaining committee met today with the Hospital Representatives. A Federal Mediator was present. The MNA Pension Committee members  discussed the proposal the Hospital submitted via email on May 3rd, 2010. Your Pension Bargaining Committee presented the Hospitals a counter proposal. The Hospitals continue to demand draconian cuts to your pension benefits, stating their intent is to reduce their costs.

The Hospitals would rather spend time and money on scabs than maintaining your current pension benefits.  They are willing to spend $$$ – just not on you. Your Pension Committee is  recommending that Twin City Nurses vote to reject the Hospitals proposal and authorize a strike.
… Read more about: Pension Bargaining Update (May 14)  »

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In: Activism, Bargaining

A special THANK YOU from Minnesota Nurses to all the amazing supporters from our community who walked with us during our May 12 informational picketing! (And if we omitted anyone please forgive us and add yourself in the comments!)

ELECTED OFFICIALS/CANDIDATES
Senator Scott Dibble
Senator Ken Kelash
Senator Paul Koering
Senator Ron Latz
Senator Sandy Rummel
Representative Erin Murphy
Representative Paul Thissen
St Paul City Council Member Dave Thune
Congressional Candidate Dan Powers
Congressional Candidate Jim Meffert
Office of Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega

UNIONS
AFSCME Council 5
Duluth Central Labor Council and President Dan O’Neill
Education Minnesota and Vice President Paul Mueller
International Association of Machinists
Laborer’s Local 563
Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation
Minnesota AFL-CIO and President Shar Knutson
Minnesota AFL-CIO Retiree Council
NALC branch 9
Northeast Area Labor Council and President Alan Netland
Operating Engineers Local 49
Painters and Allied Trades
Pipe Trades
Plumbers
Postal Workers
Teamsters Local 320
SEIU Local 26
SEIU Healthcare Minnesota
Sheet Metal Workers
St.
… Read more about: Solidarity!  »