Officials from the MNA say that attempts to reduce staffing present not only a jobs issue but a patient safety issue as well, according to the release. Nurses also worry that the hospitals will drop pensions by one third, making the lowest they’ve been since 1968.
The hospitals have responded saying that no plans are underway to reduce pensions or benefits to nurses, and they hope work with the nurses to negotiate fair compensation and contracts, according to the report.
The nurses will have until May 19 to consider the new contracts, at which time they will vote to accept the new contracts or to strike. The contracts expire May 31, according to the report.
Read the Business Journal’s report on Minnesota nurse contracts.
