2010 Pension: March 17 Update (Page 147)

The last scheduled pension bargaining session was held on March 17 between MNA and employer representatives. A Federal Mediator also was present.

MNA nurses presented a modified proposal, but the employers had NO comment. Instead, the employers wanted to restate their position, numerous times, on how much the pension costs. Actual words used by the employer were: “It’s all about the money.”

There are no future dates set at this time for pension bargaining.

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The last scheduled pension bargaining session was held on March 17 between MNA and employer representatives. A Federal Mediator also was present.

MNA nurses presented a modified proposal, but the employers had NO comment. Instead, the employers wanted to restate their position, numerous times, on how much the pension costs. Actual words used by the employer were: “It’s all about the money.”

There are no future dates set at this time for pension bargaining.
… Read more about: 2010 Pension: March 17 Update  »

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3ELIsFBWhw&feature=player_embedded]

Join us in taking a brief break (four minutes or so!) from the intensity of contract bargaining to watch this powerful YouTube video that summarizes the RN relief efforts in Haiti. MNA Nurse Barb Warren-Bloms was among the volunteers called forth by National Nurses United to serve in Haiti recently. More than 300 Minnesota nurses were among the 12,000 across the U.S. who volunteered to help in the aftermath of the earthquake.
… Read more about: Haiti RN Relief Recap  »

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12,000 MN Nurses Begin Labor Contract Negotiations

Key issues include pension, staffing levels as talks between nurses and Twin Cities hospital systems begin.

Media Contact: John Nemo, 651-414-2863 or john.nemo@mnnurses.org

ST. PAUL (March 16, 2010) – Saying their 12,000 members are committed to standing united in the coming months, Minnesota nurses formally began labor contract negotiations with six Twin Cities hospital systems on Tuesday.

“The safety and quality of care for our patients is on the line,” said Minnesota Nurses Association President Linda Hamilton, who works as a registered nurse in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.
… Read more about: 2010 Bargaining Officially Begins!  »

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Today marks the official start to formal employment contract negotiations between 12,000 Minnesota Nurses and six Twin Cities hospital systems. Below is an overview of the key issues and some facts and statistics.

ISSUE SUMMARY

  • More than 12,000 Minnesota Nurses formally began labor contract negotiations with six Twin Cities hospital systems (North Memorial, HealthEast, Allina, Methodist, Children’s and Fairview) on March 16, 2010.
  • Key issues during the negotiations include nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and the hospitals’ desire to slash the nurses’ long-standing pension plan benefits by one-third.

KEY DATES

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AUDIO: Thissen vs. Emmer

This is one audio clip (see link above) not to miss! MNA-endorsed Gov. Candidate Paul Thissen took fellow candidate Tom Emmer to the proverbial woodshed the other day on Minnesota Public Radio. Thissen called Emmer out for using popular political buzzwords and rhetoric without explaining how any of those ideas would actually get accomplished. Now you can see why more than 20,000 Minnesota Nurses endorse Paul Thissen for Governor!
… Read more about: Paul Thissen torches Tom Emmer on MPR  »

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All About the Money
The Employers overarching principle is this: They want to cut your pension.

Some Effects of Employers Pension proposals:
— You will earn a lower pension benefit for any work after 1-1-2011….GUARANTEED

— You will only earn credits to your pension benefit if you work in a .5 or greater position.

— Pension benefits will be cut for every nurse whether you take a normal retirement, early retirement, or disability retirement.

All proposals have been shared. We will be meeting with the Federal Mediator for the next bargaining session on March 17th, 2010.
… Read more about: Pension Bargaining – March 10 Update  »