Duluth nurses, hospitals to resume talks next week
The union representing 1,350 nurses at two Duluth hospitals said Friday that federal mediators have called the two sides back to the bargaining table.
Tentative negotiations have been set for Wednesday and Thursday. SMDC nurses are to meet with hospital administrators Wednesday, and St. Luke's nurses will meet with hospital administrators Thursday.
On Wednesday, nurses from both hospitals voted not to accept the contract the hospitals were offering. They also authorized a one-day strike, which was not immediately scheduled by the Minnesota Nurses Association.
Staffing levels at the hospitals remains the main issue for the nurses, who say inadequate staffing levels are putting patient safety at risk.
The union said Friday its nurses want to avoid a strike and keep talking with their employers.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.