Hospitals group “shocked and disappointed” nurses union gave strike notice immediately after authorization vote
A spokesman says the Twin Cities Hospitals Group is “shocked and disappointed” the nurses union gave a ten-day strike notice for December 11th immediately after nurses voted to authorize it. Paul Omodt says:
“We’re still at the table trying to work as hard as we can. They are jumping ahead, as they did with their earlier strike, to go into strike mode.”
“Analysts say nurses union leaders are trying to turn up pressure for an agreement. ) Both sides acknowledge they could be within striking distance on wages, but the nurses union says short-staffing is the big issue. Modest Okorie , nurse at HealthEast- M Health Fairview:
“Just imagine a patient sitting in poop, putting on her call light or his call light, and you can’t get to that patient for over 30 minutes (or) an hour.”
The Hospitals Group says the union’s proposals would put nurses in charge of the hospitals. The nurses respond they want a say, so patients’ safety isn’t compromised.
