Hello!
We officially opened contract negotiations today. The session began with introductions and opening statements with both parties setting a collaborative tone for the process ahead.
As part of our opening statement, we felt it was important to first thank the nurses for their hard work and high-quality patient care. We also acknowledged that we still have work to do. Staffing hasn’t always been optimal, and we are hopeful that the final agreement will enhance staffing and patient care.
The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) presented 48 non-economic proposals on a variety of topics. Aspirus St. Luke’s (ASL) presented 10 non-economic proposals, aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, staffing and care delivery.
Both parties expressed a shared commitment to achieving optimal staffing and ensuring safe, high-quality care for our patients. We’re encouraged by this mutual focus and look forward to constructive dialogue as negotiations continue.
Our plan is to resume bargaining on May 12 when both parties will provide responses to the initial proposals.
We do not want to pick up with where bargaining ended in 2022. That was a hard experience for all of us. Our plan is to remain focused, productive and civil and it is our hope that we bargain in an environment that allows that to happen.
We will continue to keep you informed as the process progresses.
Sincerely,
Theresa Hannu, CNO
and the Negotiating Team
