Minnesota nurses begin three day strike

Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) began a three-day strike today.

The walkout affects sixteen hospitals statewide; providers include M Health Fairview, Essentia Health, Healthpartners, Allina Health, Children’s Minnesota, North Memorial, and St. Luke’s.

On its website, M Health Fairview said, "Our health system has negotiated in good faith with the union and we remain committed to fair and equitable contracts that honor the contributions of our nurses while balancing our need to provide accessible and affordable care to our patients. We will continue to bargain in good faith to settle on contracts all parties agree are fair. We want nothing more than to come to an agreement with the union so our nurses can do what they do best – care for our patients.”

Attorney General Keith Ellison was at Children’s Minnesota voicing his support for nurses.

The union is calling for wage increases and more paid time off. They're also demanding solutions for short-staffing, retention and better patient care.