For Immediate Release

(Duluth, MN) – September 25, 2019 – St. Luke’s nurses have overwhelmingly voted to ratify the tentative agreement reached between the hospital and the Minnesota Nurses Association. The vote sets in place a new three-year contract for St. Luke’s nurses, which will be considered effective as of July 1, 2019.

“Nurses stood up and fought for solutions to the staffing crisis,” said Pete Boyechko, a St. Luke’s nurse and negotiations team member. “We’re proud that the hospital will have to address short staffing situations, and we hope more nurses will be hired so we can safely care for our patients.”

Nurses and the hospital agreed to add contract terms that provide bonuses for nurses called in when the number of patients or the severity of the patients’ conditions are greater than can be safely handled by the nurses on staff.
... Read more about: MNA Nurses Ratify Contract with St. Luke’s Hospital  »

(St. Paul) – June 15, 2019 – Nurses represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract with  Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota and withdrew the threat of a nurses’ strike at the hospitals.

The nurses’ and the hospital’s negotiations teams met over a 21-hour session and cooperated to jointly address issues, including the cost of health insurance for MNA nurses.

“Nurses are happy that Children’s recognized that the cost of insurance is a concern that affects the hospital’s competitiveness of attracting and retaining nurses,” said Michelle Cotterell, a sedation nurse at Children’s Minneapolis campus. 
... Read more about: MNA Nurses Reach Agreement with Children’s Hospitals  »

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Rick Fuentes
(o) 651-414-2863
(c) 612-741-0662
rick.fuentes@mnnurses.org

Barbara Brady
(o) 651-414-2849
(c) 651-202-0845
barbara.brady@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – June 13, 2019 – Nurses represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association voted overwhelmingly to reject the latest offer by Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota and authorize the negotiating team to call a strike.

A hospital strike must be authorized by a supermajority of the membership there, and the decision of when a strike would begin and how long it would last will be decided by the elected nurse members of the negotiating committee.
... Read more about: Press Release: MNA Nurses Reject Children’s Contract Offer, Authorize Strike  »

(Anoka) – May 29, 2019 – Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (AMRTC) staff are at risk every day they walk through the doors because the hospital does not have needed security to prevent violence by patients and others. MNA, AFSCME, and MAPE members are picketing outside the hospital this afternoon to shine a spotlight on safety concerns after a nurse was violently attacked recently.

“That attack shows just how dangerous the working conditions are at AMRTC,” Carrie Mortrud, RN, said.
... Read more about: Press Release: A Safe Workplace is not Optional. Anoka Treatment Center Workers Picket for Safety  »

Members of three unions plan informational picket May 29

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MNA Contact:  Barb Brady
(o) 651-414-2849
(c) 651-202-0845
barbara.brady@mnnurses.org

MAPE Contact: Ashley Erickson
(o) 651-621-2638
(c) 507-450-5511
aerickson@mape.org

St. Paul) – May 26, 2019 – The recent attack that left an Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center nurse severely injured and hospitalized has prompted employees from three unions to call for immediate measures to improve safety for workers, patients, and visitors.

MNA, AFSCME, and MAPE members are picketing on May 29 outside the hospital to shine a spotlight on the safety crisis and the hospital’s failure to install security measures.
... Read more about: Press Release: Anoka Treatment Center Staff Picket Over Recent Violent Attack, Unsafe Conditions  »

Contact:  Rick Fuentes
(o) 651-414-2863
(c) 612-741-0662
rick.fuentes@mnnurses.org

Barb Brady
(o) 651-414-2849
(c) 651-202-0845
barbara.brady@mnnurses.org

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(St. Paul) – May 22, 2019 – Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association in the Metro area are picketing selected hospitals to take their issues to the hospitals. Today, nurses from across the Twin Cities targeted Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. Negotiations between nurses and hospitals have stalemated over a new contract, even though their contract expires on May 31.

“Nurses have felt disrespected at the bargaining table, and they feel they have to take the issues of workplace safety to the hospitals’ front door,” said Doreen McIntyre, a nurse at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.
... Read more about: Press Release: Twin Cities Nurses Picket Hospitals for Safety, Benefits  »

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Rick Fuentes
(o) 651-414-2863
(c) 612-741-0662
rick.fuentes@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – April 24, 2019 – The Board of Directors of the Minnesota Nurses Association has voted to endorse Emily Larson for a second term as mayor of Duluth at their April meeting.

“Nurses are proud to support Emily Larson again,” said Mary C. Turner, president of MNA.  “Nurse leaders have witnessed Larson’s continued dedication in ensuring workers are treated with dignity and respect by their employers, including advocating for labor rights, the right of people to organize, and good faith negotiations.”

Mayor Emily Larson participated in a meet and greet with Duluth nurses on April 16 to show her support for those who are entering into contract negotiations with Essentia and St.
... Read more about: Press Release: Minnesota Nurses Endorse Emily Larson for Another Term as Duluth Mayor  »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Contact:  Rick Fuentes
(o) 651-414-2863
(c) 612-741-0662
rick.fuentes@mnnurses.org

Contact:  Barb Brady
(o) 651-414-2849
(c) 651-202-0845
barbara.brady@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – April 4, 2019 – Attorney General Keith Ellison has appointed the Minnesota Nurses Association’s Executive Director, Rose Roach, to the task force charged with lowering the price of pharmaceutical drugs for Minnesota patients. Roach is one of 15 patient advocates who include leaders from medical providers, labor and industry, state legislators, and the executive director of the Board of Pharmacy.

“I am honored to be appointed by Attorney General Ellison and am confident we will be able to make recommendations that will improve the lives of Minnesotans when it comes to affording the medications they need,” Roach said.
... Read more about: Press Release: MNA leader joins the fight to lower drug prices  »

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
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Contact:  Rick Fuentes
(o) 651-414-2863
(c) 612-741-0662
rick.fuentes@mnnurses.org

 Barb Brady
(o) 651-414-2849
(c) 651-202-0845
barbara.brady@mnnurses.org

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(St. Paul) –   March 26, 2019 –  Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association in the Metro area begin negotiations today with Twin Cities hospitals to reach agreement on new contracts that will ensure quality patient care.  Nurses will approach negotiations optimistic that a cooperative approach with Metro hospitals will lead to a settlement while still firmly believing in contract proposals that value nurses and patients.

“Nurses are united in putting forth proposals that recognize the value of their care and their professional judgment to protect patients,” said Jordan Foerster, a negotiations team member and a Registered Nurse at Fairview.
... Read more about: Press Release: Twin Cities Nurses Enter Negotiations Optimistic and Steadfast  »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Contact:  Rick Fuentes
(o) 651-414-2863
(c) 612-741-0662
rick.fuentes@mnnurses.org

Contact:  Barb Brady
(o) 651-414-2849
(c) 651-202-0845
barbara.brady@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – March 25, 2019 – The budget targets unveiled by Minnesota House DFL leaders today make wise investments in Minnesota’s future, according to the Minnesota Nurses Association.

“Nurses applaud proposals to invest in healthcare, education, infrastructure and tax fairness,” said MNA President Mary C. Turner, RN. “This plan put Minnesota on the right path.”

Turner said proposals to implement health insurance discounts for individuals  and continue the provider tax that funds MinnesotaCare will help nurses provide patients with the care they need and deserve.
... Read more about: Press Release: House budget targets make the right investments in Minnesota’s future  »