iStock/Thinkstock(MINNEAPOLIS) — Nurses at five hospitals in the Minneapolis-area have begun a week-long strike over a contract dispute.
According to the nurses in the Minnesota Nurses Association, hospital operator Allina Health wants to switch nurses to a plan with lower monthly premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs.
About 4,800 nurses are expected to join the picket lines starting Sunday as they call for Allina to hold contract talks.
“We’re asking Allina, come back and actually negotiate with us,” said Angie Becchetti, one of the nurses on strike. “We’re asking for health insurance to keep intact and we’re asking for better staffing and workplace violence prevention.”
Allina CEO Dr. Penny Wheeler said replacement nurses were being brought in and would help the hospitals operate normally.
“With the support of all the other members of our outstanding care team, along with our experienced temporary nurses, the public can be confident that our quality of care will not be compromised,” she said.
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