Nearly 600 nurses at Maple Grove Hospital, represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association, have voted to ratify a historic three-year contract that strengthens wages, retirement security, affordable health insurance and workplace protections while providing stability for nurses and patients as the hospital prepares to be acquired by Sanford Health.
Nurses say this contract comes at a pivotal moment for Maple Grove Hospital. Earlier this summer, nurses successfully secured a Letter of Understanding (LOU), protecting key workplace rights during the proposed acquisition. With the ratification of a new union contract, nurses have now built on those protections with legally enforceable commitments that help ensure continuity of care, retain experienced caregivers, and protect the workforce through the proposed acquisition.
“After more than 18 months of learning and standing together, we’re proud to have secured our first union contract. As Maple Grove Hospital prepares to be acquired, having a strong contract in place gives nurses the stability and protections we need to continue advocating for our patients and our profession,” said Margaret Sampson, RN. “This contract is an important first step, but our work isn’t finished. Maple Grove and Robbinsdale are part of the same health system, and we deserve equitable wages, benefits and workplace protections so we can continue providing the high-quality care our communities count on.”
Key contract wins:
- Guaranteed pay raises throughout the contract with the same formula used by North Memorial Robbinsdale Hospital nurses beginning in 2028
- Double-time pay after working more than 13 hours in a row to recognize the demands of long shifts
- Stronger retirement benefits with the employer increasing its 401(k) matching contribution up to 6%
- No loss of earned paid time off and access to benefits beginning at a lower commitment (0.45 Full-Time Equivalent)
- Affordable health insurance with the employer required to negotiate with nurses before making changes to their healthcare coverage
- Investment each year for continuing education to help nurses maintain skills
- Stronger job security including protections against unfair discipline and layoffs
- A stronger voice on the job with enforceable protections and a fair process to resolve workplace concerns to hold the employer accountable
“This contract ratification comes at a critical moment for Maple Grove nurses. A ratified contract means nurses won’t have to face transition without key workplace protections,” said Lisa Groebner, RN. “Our contract safeguards our rights and strengthens our voice on the job. Together we’ve built a foundation that protects our workforce and helps ensure our community continues to have the care they depend on.”
This contract represents the investment in the future of Maple Grove. It protects the nurses who care for the community, strengthens the workforce needed as patient demands are expected to grow and ensures even with proposed ownership changes, patient and community voices will continue to be represented through its nurses.
Maple Grove patients deserve a hospital that remains accountable to the people it serves, and this contract helps ensure that nurses will continue advocating safe, high-quality care for years to come.
The new contract runs through August 31, 2029.
