ANOKA, MINN – Following this morning’s announcement that 99% of the group voted to support a ULP strike if an agreement couldn’t be reached, the bargaining team for 150 healthcare workers at HealthPartners RiverWay Clinics in Anoka, Elk River and Andover reached a tentative agreement with HealthPartners RiverWay Clinics this evening after a full day of bargaining. It was the 9th bargaining session between the two sides, and the first following the contract’s expiration on May 10th.
Brenda Stark, a medical assistant at the facility for 38 years and member of the SEIU bargaining team, shared the group's excitement over the agreement that came on the heels of the group's near unanimous strike vote:
"I feel very emotional about this agreement. I've been part of negotiating contracts for over 20 years and this round surprised me where we were able to end up on wages and so many other key issues. I want to thank our members for believing in our bargaining team and highlight how we stuck together as a group, especially with our 99% strike vote. I think that made the employer hear us loud and clear, and we saw immediate action when they came in today ready to make a deal. I think our patients understand our importance, and it feels good to reach a deal that makes us feel like our work is being valued by our employer. Winning these gains helps us make sure we are able to keep good staff so we can do what we do best: taking care of our patients."
The full deal is being shared with members ahead of a ratification vote next week, but highlights include:
- A minimum first-year Union raise of 6% (backdated to April 1), with members at the top of the pay-scale receiving 6.5%, and a $200 ratification bonus for all
- A 4% Union raise in year 2, and a 3% Union raise in year 3
- Improved wage scales and increased longevity pay for 10+ year employees
- More floating holidays for everyone
- Expanding access to health insurance benefits to part-time employees (0.5 and above)
- Improved bereavement leave language and short-term disability
- Improved scheduling language
The group brings together over 150 workers who do jobs such as receptionist, phlebotomist, insurance registration rep, MAs, CMAS, LPNs, x-ray op and tech, MLT tech, mammo tech, sonographer and more.
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SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa unites nearly 50,000 healthcare and long-term care workers in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home care throughout Minnesota and Iowa.
