We have received official notice that the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) nurses at Aspirus St. Luke’s will begin an open-ended strike at 7 a.m. on July 8, 2025.
While this news is significant, it’s not unexpected. And we are ready.
It is important for our community to understand the following:
- MNA leaders have chosen to threaten the financial security of Duluth nurses to advance their statewide agenda. This open-ended strike is targeted exclusively in Duluth, and the negative impacts will be focused here.
- We have presented a fair and responsible proposal to MNA and we have been very clear that we cannot accept fixed staffing ratios that put patient care at risk or radical economic proposals that threaten the financial stability of our organization.
- We are resolute, and we are prepared for a prolonged strike.
The decision the MNA has taken will be disruptive, costly and harmful to our Twin Ports community. A strike drains local resources, strains relationships, and creates needless anxiety for patients and staff. The last three-day strike cost millions of dollars — money that left our community and was unavailable for improving patient care.
The MNA leadership wanted to make noise in the form of a strike for their own benefit. These are the steps Aspirus St. Luke’s has taken to avoid an unnecessary strike:
- Aspirus St. Luke’s is the one trying to keep talks going: We’ve completed only six bargaining sessions — all scheduled by us — compared to 16 sessions before the strike in the last cycle (2022). The MNA is rushing to strike while accusing us of bad faith, despite their own uncooperative behavior. Our strong relationships with all other unions make it clear: the issue isn’t Aspirus, it’s the MNA.
- Aspirus St. Luke’s has bargained in good faith and no unfair labor practice (ULP) strike claim has been filed. Despite MNA’s assertions, no ULP complaint exists with the National Labor Relations Board—because no violations exist.
- Aspirus St. Luke’s is trying to find compromise.
- Their wage proposal would add $57 million in cost over three years — which is unsustainable for our organization and our patients. Minnesota nurses are already among the highest paid nationally.
- The rigid staffing ratios they’re seeking ignore the realities of care and effectively reduce every patient to a number. We won’t let contract language compromise patient care. Additionally, the MNA’s unsafe staffing claims don’t hold up to our positive quality metrics.
- We remain open to fair negotiations but must protect our entire team and community.
The Same High-Quality Care During the Strike
While the notice of a strike is a shock to our community, we are ready. We’ve been preparing for this for some time. We have comprehensive contingency plans in place, including bringing in approximately 130 temporary nurses, to ensure safe, uninterrupted, and high-quality patient care. While the temporary nurses will be new to Aspirus St. Luke’s, all other members of our care teams will not be. You can expect the same excellent care that is synonymous with St. Luke’s.
During the strike, our operations will be running as usual. If you have any questions about your care or to schedule an appointment visit us at www.slhduluth.com or call us at 218-249-5555.
Much of what the MNA shares publicly misrepresents reality. Please visit CareForAllFairForAll.com for updated information on negotiations.
