Workers at Minneapolis-based Hennepin Healthcare picketed March 17 over contract negotiations.
The workers, which included clerical employees, medical assistants and housekeepers, are represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 5. Supporters from various AFSCME locals joined the workers to advocate for a fair contract and safety at work, according to union officials.
AFSCME claims Hennepin Healthcare proposed cutting performance raises and benefits for workers after building its new Hennepin Healthcare Clinic & Specialty Center.
They note the millions of dollars spent on the project, as well as on rebranding Hennepin County Medical Center to Hennepin Healthcare.
"We're not asking for a lot," AFSCME Local 977 President Carmen Brown said. "We're not asking for the world. We're just asking for a fair day's pay for a fair day's work."
In a statement to Becker's Hospital Review, Hennepin Healthcare said it is "committed to offering compensation and benefits that are fair, reasonable and consistent with similar jobs at other hospitals and clinics in the local market."
Hospital officials also said they look forward to reaching a final labor deal with union members, and built the new clinic and specialty center "because we believe our employees deserve to work in a convenient, contemporary environment, just as our patients deserve to receive care in such an environment."
"As we have welcomed employees, patients, and the public into the building over the past several days the positive response and expressions of gratitude from people who work or receive care in our current clinic facilities has been overwhelming. We believe they are worth the investment," the statement added.
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