Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rick Fuentes
(o) 651-414-2863
(c) 612-741-0662
rick.fuentes@mnnurses.org
Amber Smigiel
(o) 651-414-2849
(c) 651-202-0845
amber.smigiel@mnnurses.org
(St. Paul) – May 18, 2020 – The Minnesota Nurses Association will be holding an informational picket on Wednesday, in accordance with the 10-day notice filed with United Hospital. Nurse members are asking for a say in worker protections, increased PPE resources with higher safety standards, and an end to retaliation against workers who have tried to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus.
The picketing will take place from 6-7:55 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20. Nurses will then march to the Minnesota Capitol and begin a speaking program at 8:40 p.m. At 9:15, nurses will march back to United Hospital and disperse.
Nurses and other supporters will be respecting social distancing, and barriers will be placed between participants. All participants have agreed to wear masks. Workers who take part in the picket will be on their off-hours. No workers will leave their jobs to attend, and no patient care will be affected.
When: Wednesday, May 20, 2020, 6-9:15 p.m.
Where: Public area around United Hospital
225 Smith Ave N, St Paul, MN 55102
Who: MNA Members working at United Hospital
What: Informational Picket; this is not a strike or a work stoppage
Why: To demand nurse protections and protest United’s retaliation against
workers for trying to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus
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Note: The program will take place outside, where nurses and attendees will practice 6 feet of social distancing. Additionally, for reporters who are uncomfortable attending the event in person or who are themselves practicing self-quarantine measures, the press conference will be streaming here: https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaNurses/
I will be attending the march on the Capital today.