Minneapolis-based Allina Health and its striking nurses both refuse to budge first as the walkout enters its third week, reports Star Tribune.
The workers, who are represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association, began their second strike of the summer on Labor Day at five Minnesota hospitals — Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Phillips Eye Institute in Minneapolis, United Hospital in St. Paul, Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids and Unity Hospital in Fridley. As workers began the strike, Allina brought in 1,500 replacement nurses.
More than two weeks later, the strike is at a standstill with no future talks scheduled.
Allina claims more than 500 of the 4,800 union nurses have indicated they want to return to work at the five affected hospitals, according to the article. The union questions those numbers.
The union, meanwhile, said it was reported that an intensive care unit closed at Abbott Northwestern, amid turnover in replacement nurses, reports Star Tribune.
In a statement to the publication, Allina spokesman David Kanihan confirmed an ICU unit at Abbott Northwestern closed to new patients last weekend due to the number of patients and the severity of their conditions, but said the temporary closure was not uncommon or related to the walkout.
The article states both sides believe the other is responsible to restart talks, which have primarily revolved around the nurses' health insurance.
Allina wanted to eliminate the nurses' four union-backed health plans, which include high premiums but low or no deductibles, and move the nurses to its corporate plans, reports the Star Tribune. Allina has estimated that eliminating the nurses' four union-backed health plans would save the health system $10 million per year.
As the strike moves on, The MNA has a hardship fund of more than $4 million for nurses struggling with the loss of income during the walkout, according to the Star Tribune. The article states Allina CEO Penny Wheeler, MD, has also appealed to nurses to come back to work, pointing out that as of Oct. 1, striking nurses will temporarily lose their health insurance and have to buy more expensive coverage.
The latest strike is the second since an initial seven-day strike in June. The June strike cost Allina $20.4 million.