FAQs about SEIU HC MN

What is a Union?A Union is a democratic organization run by us, the workers. By having a union we have the power to demand better wages, benefits, working conditions, job security, fair treatment, respect on the job and so on. Having a union legally obligates our employer to negotiate and uphold a contract with us. Without a union, management would have a free hand to treat people as they please. But, with a union we have a contract that guarantees our rights.

What is the Service Employees International Union(SEIU)?
With 2 million members, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is one of the largest and fastest growing unions in the country. SEIU Healthcare Minnesota represents over 17,000 healthcare workers in Minnesota. Our members work in all kinds of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes and clinics.

What does it mean to be a union member?
By standing together, and continously striving to increase member activism and improve the lives of our members and all working families, we have the strength to win and maintain good contracts. Members set the priorities of the union through democratic elections and work together to uphold their contract and make positive changes at work.

Union members have a greater access to resources that create the ability to enrich their lives through continued education, leadership development tools and connections made with other members in their communities.

What is a Union Contract?
A union contract is a legally binding, written agreement between us, the members of the union, and our employer. Union contracts guarantee union members many important rights that non-union workers don’t have. Most importantly, we negotiate our contract and have a voice regarding how our workplace works.

Why is a union contract so important?
A union contract provides us with job security and a voice about how our workplace works. Unlike non-union workers, we negotiate policy, wages, benefits, and have a grievance and progressive discipline policy. Without a union contract, workers have very few legal rights against unfair treatment by their employer and are “employees at will”.

Why do we need a Union?
As healthcare workers, we need a union and a strong voice at work to make the quality of care we provide better. With a union we are equal to management, have job security, and can easily voice our concerns. Our contract protects our wages, hours, benefits and job.

With a collective voice union members have the power to influence positive change beyond the workplace: through the community, by advocating for safer neighborhoods; in organizations, by educating around a cause and creating awareness; and in politics by lobbying. Members, when united, have the strength to build the grassroots power needed to improve the lives of all working families.

How do contract negotiations work?
Who decides if we accept a contract?
When a facility’s contract is up for negotiations, you and your co-workers will hold a meeting and send a survey to assess the priorities of the bargaining unit. You will also elect a Negotiation Team and sometimes a Contract Action Team that works with the Negotiation Team to keep everyone informed. The Negotiation Team and your Union negotiator, will sit across the table from management and bargain the terms of your contract, including pay raises, benefits, and working conditions. Sometimes it is necessary for workers to show their strength during negotiations by wearing stickers and/or buttons and participating in actions. Once your team feels they have an acceptable contract you and all union members at your facility vote on whether or not to accept the contract offer.