MNA RNs are weighing in about the devastating impact the so-called “Right to Work” legislation would have on everyday Minnesota families. Here’s just one of the heartfelt letters MNA RNs are sending to their local legislators:
Hello,
I am a resident of the district you represent, and I am asking for your help in defeating this “Right to Work” bill. This is a deceptive bill, and will only worsen the situation for many hard working Minnesota families. This bill will drive down wages, eliminate benefits, increase unemployment and effectively eliminate the chance to collectively bargain with corporate Minnesota.
I realize that there is support for this bill out there, and I suspect it originates from the entities that will most benefit…that would be the corporations that look to exploit the current economic conditions to EXPLOIT hard working Minnesotans. I am a registered nurse, and I participated in the strike in 2010. I am sure that you are aware that as part of the collective bargaining process, the hospitals promised to work with us to assure safe staffing for our patients, in return for us accepting only 3% raises over 3 years, and no improvements in our benefit package whatsoever. I am here to tell you, the hospitals have stalled us ever since we settled that contract. Our patients are in danger due to staffing levels, and that has not changed. Imagine what kind of care our patients will get if the hospitals can unilaterally staff according to their profit margins? Would you like to be a patient under those circumstances? Take away the right to collectively bargain and you undermine the ability of nurses, fire fighters, police officers, teachers and many other Minnesotans to not only maintain their own work conditions but to maintain a safe environment for all Minnesotans.
Sincerely,
Theresa Swehla, RN