A Minnesota hospital group said about 15,000 nurses had signed contracts with members of the Minnesota Nurses Association days before the three-week strike began.
Alina Health, one of the health systems whose nurses planned the strike, reached a tentative agreement early Tuesday morning with nurses at Abbott Northwestern University, United Hospital in St. Paul, and both Mercy Hospital campuses. announced. Allina said her strike notice was withdrawn as nurses decide whether to approve her contract.
“Allina Health is pleased with the fair and equitable settlement that reflects the priorities of both parties and for our employees, patients and the community.” I am grateful to be able to put all my energy into caring.”
A spokesman for Minnesota Hospital Group, which represents Children’s, North Memorial, Methodist and M Health Fairview, said there was also a tentative agreement to advertise the strike. The group noted that the deal includes wage increases of up to 18% over a three-year deal.
In the Duluth area, both St. Luke’s and Essentia Health say they have reached a tentative agreement.
Mary C. Turner, nurse at North Memorial Hospital and president of the Minnesota Nursing Association, said: “This interim agreement will help keep nurses at their bedsides and continue to fight against corporate health policies that threaten the hospital system and the care patients deserve.”
Nurses announced on Dec. 1 that they were planning a three-week strike starting Saturday if no agreement could be reached on a new contract. They have been negotiating with hospital leaders since March, and in September she went on a three-day strike.
Nurses say their jobs are in jeopardy and need better salaries, more staff and more security protections. Hospital officials claimed their demands were expensive and unrealistic.
This story is a work in progress and will be updated.
