Some of the key sticking points in bargaining include wages, pension and back pay, according to SEIU.
ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. — Health Unit Coordinators plan to strike on May 27 at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park.
SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa represents 85 Health Unit Coordinators (HUCs) at the hospital. Union members voted 95% in favor of authorizing a strike.
Some of the key sticking points in bargaining include wages, pension and back pay, according to SEIU. The Health Unit Coordinators are aiming to negotiate a short-term contract and then join the group of 700 unionized employees at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital.
“HUCs like me are willing to go on a ULP strike if we don’t see movement on critical issues like joining the union pension plan, winning retro pay and ensuring differential pay,” Erin Neary said in the SEIU press release. “As health unit coordinators, we feel like our position is being undermined and devalued by management’s refusal to work cooperatively with us towards a contract that benefits all Methodist HUCs.”
In response, a representative for HealthPartners, the hospital system that heads Park Nicollet, told KARE 11 in a statement that administrators are “committed to reaching an agreement.”
“We value our 86 health unit coordinators represented by SEIU. They are an important part of our team, and we have a fair contract proposal on the table,” the statement read.
“Unfortunately, union leadership has decided to move forward with a strike. We remain committed to reaching an agreement. If the strike proceeds, we’re ready to provide our patients with the same high-quality care they expect from us.”