Contracts for 13,000 nurses at Twin Cities hospitals expiring with no new deal
Labor contracts covering 13,000 Twin Cities hospital nurses expired Friday without new agreements as their union negotiators continued to press for new deals with pay increases, safeguards against workplace violence and other benefits.
The expiration was something of a formality, as the old contracts remain in effect and nurses remain on the job while talks continue between the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) and 14 hospitals.
However, it also marks a sense of futility in the citywide negotiations not seen since summer 2010, when a prolonged contract showdown over staffing led to a one-day strike by 12,000 nurses.
"It's very disappointing that we're here again," said Angela Becchetti, a registered nurse at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and part of the MNA's bargaining team with Allina Health.
Read more: http://www.startribune.com/contracts-for-13-000-nurses-at-twin-cities-hospitals-expire-with-no-new-deal/510693542/