A labor dispute between Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic and SEIU Healthcare Minnesota has garnered attention from local lawmakers — who have already begun to petition the issue, according to a report from the Post-Bulletin.
The issue stems from Mayo Clinic's July decision to switch from Sodexo to Morrison Healthcare for food and nutrition services. The labor union, which represents 700 food service workers in southern Minnesota and 350 in Rochester, alleges the health system did not provide information on how, why and when it decided to switch contractors. This week SEIU offered Mayo a "major compromise," which the health system claims does not address the reasons for its decision.
Now more than 30 lawmakers have joined the debate and signed a petition calling for the health system to reverse its decision, according to the Post-Bulletin. However, Sen. Dave Senjem (R-Rochester) told the newspaper he feels lawmakers should stay out of the dispute. Dale Amorosia (D), who is running for a state senate seat, said he "wholeheartedly disagrees," according to the report.
Lawmakers who oppose the decision are pointing to Mayo Clinic's promise to create good-paying jobs as part of its Destination Medical Center Initiative, which is a 20-year project to make Rochester "the world's premier destination for health and wellness." Even though Mayo Clinic said current employees will be offered jobs with Morrison Healthcare at the same pay rate, employees and Mr. Amorosia have voiced concerns jobs or benefits will be at risk down the line.
Mr. Amorosia said he plans to make sure the whole community benefits from Mayo Clinics Destination Medical Center project, according to the report.
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