Minnesota Nursing Accent Winter 2022

Minnesota Nursing Accent

Minnesota Nurses Association

345 Randolph Avenue, Ste. 200 Saint Paul, MN 55102 651-414-2800/800-536-4662

WINTER 2022

PUBLISHER

Rose Roach

MANAGING EDITORS

Lauren C. Nielsen

Chris Reinke

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mary C. Turner, RN President

Chris Rubesch, RN 1st Vice President

Doreen McIntyre, RN 2nd Vice President

Jennifer Michelson, RN Secretary

Sandie Anderson, RN Treasurer

Directors

Laurie Bahr, RN

Angela Becchetti, RN

Daniel Clute, RN

Heather Jax, RN Susan Kreitz, RN

Lynnetta Muehlhauser, RN Stella Obadiya, RN Gail Olson, RN Rui Pina, RN Judy Russell-Martin, RN Angela Schroeder Malone, RN Wendy Wahl, RN

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Subscriptions Published: March, June, September, January Opinions

Minnesota Nursing Accent (ISSN 0026-5586) is published four times annually by the Minnesota Nurses Association 345 Randolph Avenue, Ste. 200, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

Periodicals Postage paid at Saint Paul, MN and additional mailing offices. Postmaster, please send address changes to: Minnesota Nurses Association 345 Randolph Avenue, Ste. 200 Saint Paul, MN 55102.

Nurses, I’m still trying to process the endeavor that we embarked on way back in March. The fact that we were able to pull 15 hospitals, seven different healthcare systems, 15,000 nurses, and over 80 nurse leaders together through the many months of meetings, picket lines, good times and bad, and STILL pull this off with a historic contract is nothing short of incredible. The United Nations has got nothing on us!

We are now the example in both the labor world and the nursing profession—in Minnesota and across the country. And let me be clear, it is not just the nurses in the Twin Cities and Twin Ports—every single one of our bargaining units that negotiated new contracts this year have done so with fierce solidarity and have taken historic steps forward in protecting our patients and our profession. We are taking back healthcare from corporate executives and putting it where it belongs—in the hands of healthcare workers who know their patients’ needs best!

We’ve got a whole new generation of nurse leaders who are being discovered and who I’m extremely excited about. These new leaders recognize the ongoing fight that they need to continue and are ready to do it. This new generation of nurses are ready to fight for their contracts and know that we cannot rest on our laurels—nor should we! Gone are the days of burying our heads in the sand after voting on a contract. We all know now that we cannot give up on the fight just because our contract is signed. In fact,

now is when the real work begins.

We must continue to advocate for our patients and work to uphold our contracts. We must continue to work with our fellow nurses to make sure that we stay informed and to bring new nurses into the fold. We must also continue to make our voices heard at the legislature where we can achieve legislation on safe staffing levels, workplace violence protections, mental healthcare, the anti-corporatization of our healthcare system, protection of our union rights, and much more.

I am always, always so proud of you nurses and I’m so proud to be wrapping up my seventh year as your president, with one more to go. I look forward to us doing bigger and better things going forward.

Happy Holidays, and everybody enjoy your holiday pay and try to get a break!

President’s Column

Mary C. Turner, RN, MNA President

A BITTERSWEET GOODBYE, NURSES

Such a bittersweet moment as I write my last column as your Executive Director. The thrill of entering this next phase in life, retirement, is on the horizon but it’s juxtaposed against a sense of sadness. You see, movement work as a career is not unlike nursing in that the work isn’t a job, it’s a commitment to a cause, a belief in a mission that has a much higher purpose than simply earning a paycheck. And it has been my great honor to serve that higher purpose for almost 34 years, even more so to close it out working for and with you, the nurses of the Minnesota Nurses Association.

Thirty plus years is a long time, so it’s important to highlight those defining moments to who you once were that helped shape who you now are. So here we go, a walk down memory lane from a dedicated trade unionist.

In 1988, I ran for Minnesota State House, losing the race but winning the career I was meant to have. Then in 1990, my friend and mentor Nancy Crippen asked me to come work as an administrative assistant for MSEA, a union representing classified school employees in Minnesota. From there, I began organizing which then led me to helping members bargain their first contract.

1996 was a year of mixed emotions as I lost my mentor and friend, but not before she told the union Board of Directors I should succeed her as their Executive Director--the Board miraculously agreed. That same year, I unexpectedly lost my dad, a fierce union man who taught me the value of a strong work ethic.

Union membership continued to increase, bus drivers held three strikes and received the contracts they deserved, and I started doing national political work with classified employee unions from California, Washington state, and Oregon.

In October 2002, Paul Wellstone died: “Never separate the life you live from the words you speak.” I then packed up and left behind Minnesota, heading to California and CSEA and began coalition building to save public employee pensions.

It was during this time, as a CSEA member and single mom of two, I had to decide which child to cover with single +1 health insurance benefits because family coverage costed too much. My uninsured child was in an automobile accident and survived but with the family going bankrupt due to medical care costs. Sophie’s choice? In America? It was unacceptable and something had to be done.

With the help of Cindy Young, we energized union members around single payer healthcare and partnered with CNA nurses who were at the forefront of the fight for healthcare as a human right.

2008 rolled around and with it, economic devastation was everywhere you looked. Organizing with the community resulted in more than a thousand students, parents, educators, and activists marching to save public education.

Then that fateful day in 2014, a voice message that the Minnesota Nurses Association was hiring for the position of Executive Director. Com-

bine my passion for healthcare justice with worker justice? I knew I needed to check it out. In August 2014, before heading to the national single payer strategy conference in Oakland, the face-to-face interview took place near San Francisco. Only a few days and interviews later, I got the call—”The Board would like to offer you the position of Executive Director.” I started to cry and gleefully accepted.

In 2015, MNA passed the first workplace violence prevention bill in the nation. We prepared for metro, Duluth and Mankato negotiations the next year. I was appointed to Governor Dayton’s Healthcare Financing Task Force.

It was then in 2016 that Mary C. Turner, RN was elected MNA’s new President, and we were instantly bound at the hip. Throughout the year, we protected the Twin Cities pension but Allina went after nurses to strip them of their decent health insurance. The 7-day strike in June followed, with 5,000 brave Allina nurses on the line. Then on Labor Day, Allina nurses went on an open-ended strike to secure workplace violence protections, proper staffing and save their health insurance plans. I was also honored that year to be named one of Minnesota’s 100 most influential leaders by MN Physician’s magazine.

2018 brought us the possibility of a nurse as Governor with Erin Murphy winning the DFL endorsement for Governor thanks in no small part to the incredible work of the Nurses for

Executive Director’s Column

Executive Director’s Column

WELCOME FROM NEW ED

Dear MNA Members,

I’d like to formally introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Minnesota Nurses Association and share a little bit about myself.

I first came to work at MNA as an organizer, then worked my way up to Director of Organizing in 2017. During that time, we were instrumental in giving a voice to unorganized nurses. This led to the largest union election in North Dakota in the last 40 years when we organized CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck, North Dakota. My department also helped nurses when they were in negotiations or when there was a threat to their contract or profession. Since leaving MNA, I worked as a Senior Campaign Lead for the Association of Flight Attendants, organizing over 20,000 flight attendants at Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia.

Nurses know first-hand about the crisis our hospitals are facing. Why? Because they are living it everyday. Hospital CEOs are asking nurses to do more with less, and therefore putting patients and their licenses at risk. We must continue to push back against the corporatization of healthcare in both our hospitals and in our neighborhoods. We must continue to educate the public regarding these dangers so we can put pressure on elected officials to pass the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act (KNABA)—which will be the start to address the staffing crisis hospitals are facing today. Passage of KNABA will guarantee every hospital has adequate staffing, not just

hospitals represented by MNA.

I am thrilled to be returning to MNA. Coming from a family of healthcare workers, I know the harm that corporatization can have on our healthcare system. I want to continue to work side by side with nurses as we advocate for patients and the nursing profession.

Karlton Scott, Incoming MNA Executive Director

Erin campaign. I am forever grateful for Erin’s inclusive, joyful, people-centered campaign, the foundations of which continue today. I was appointed that year to Attorney General Ellison’s Lowering Pharmaceutical Drug Prices task force, and our legislative report won the Notable Document award from the National Conference of State Legislators.

Another big contract year in 2019, with the metro bargaining units coordinating in earnest. We negotiated some of the country’s strongest workplace violence protections and precautions, and every bargaining unit made contractual gains with their highest salary increases in over a decade. In September, NNU sponsored the Global Nurses Solidarity Assembly in San Francisco. Then December—news of a new virus.

We all know what happened in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and with it, not enough PPE, N95s stored in paper bags and reused for multiple shifts, nurses’ lives on the line, and of course, corporate healthcare couldn’t care less and refused to listen to nurses.

We participated in actions to draw attention to the failures of corporate healthcare in the midst of a global pandemic, including hundreds marching from United Hospital to the Capitol and a candlelight vigil reflecting the lives of healthcare workers lost to COVID-19. Spring of 2020, and George Floyd is murdered. We all asked, “When will Black Lives Matter?” and MNA recommitted to the work of being an anti-racist union. MNA nurses also led community healing at George Floyd square. Humbly, I was again named one of Minnesota’s 100 influential leaders in healthcare.

In 2021 we saw MNA President Turner bring President-Elect Biden to tears as she addressed the realities of the pandemic from the experience of a COVID ICU nurse.

And finally, 2022. In January, I

reached and announced the decision to retire in January 2023. Our metro and Duluth nurses banded together to take on corporate healthcare and public support for nurses has never been higher. We held our historic 3-day strike of 15,000 nurses, making global and national headlines. What more can a workers’ rights, healthcare, social, racial, and economic justice advocate ask for?

Retirement is coming quickly and I’m looking forward to travel, more time with family and friends, and beginning to volunteer as the new national coordinator for the Labor Campaign for Single Payer. We will continue to do good work together…I could never truly leave you; you are my heart.

Nurses, I love you with every fiber of my being. My deepest gratitude to you for being allowed the incredible opportunity to serve you; to build true power with you; to raise the plight but also the glory of what it means to be a nurse with you; to lead the fight for healthcare justice, workers’ rights, and racial equity with you; and to proudly proclaim that together we are the mighty, mighty Minnesota Nurses Association.

Always remember your power,

2023 Nurses Day on the Hill

MNA’s 2023 Nurses Day on the Hill is taking place February 15, 2023. Nurses Day on the Hill is an opportunity for nurses to meet with their legislators and make our voices heard about issues that affect nursing and patient care.

We know that hospital executives and lobbyists will be spending a great deal of time and energy at the Capitol trying to defeat nurse priorities like safe staffing and workplace violence prevention and advocating for the Outsourcing Care Compact. But nurses will be the only ones there advocating for our profession and our patients.

Last year, dozens of nurses built strong relationships with their legislators which led to the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act passing the Minnesota State House of Representatives.

MNA member advocacy makes the difference when elected officials are weighing decisions on legislation.

Reserve your spot now for this year’s Nurses Day on the Hill by scanning the QR code or contacting MNA Political Organizer Cameron Fure at Cameron.Fure@mnnurses.org or at 651-252-5028 (call/text).

Rose Roach, MNA Executive Director

Bittersweet

MINNESOTA NURSES CELEBRATE PRO-NURSE MAJORITY AT STATE CAPITOL

On November 8 and the days following, nurses celebrated the electoral success of pro-nurse candidates who have pledged to put patients before profits in our healthcare system. 93 nurse-endorsed candidates won in races at the state and local levels.

These wins led to the reelection of endorsed candidates Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and Attorney General Keith Ellison. At the state legislature, the Minnesota House and Senate are now both controlled by a pro-nurse majority.

“These election results have sent a clear message to the hospital CEOs with million-dollar salaries pushing corporate healthcare policies: enough is enough. It is time to put patients before profits in our hospitals,” said Mary C. Turner, RN, President of the Minnesota Nurses Association. “From Northern Minnesota to the Twin Cities and across the state, elected officials are on our side in the fight to hold corporate CEOs accountable to the needs of nurses and patients at the bedside.” Nurses volunteered many hours to phonebank and door knock fellow nurses to share more about our endorsed candidates and get out the vote. The wins at the state and local levels can be attributed in no small part to nurses’ efforts throughout this electoral cycle.

We are ready to build power with the newly elected pro-nurse majority to solve the crises of staffing, patient care, working conditions, and retention corporate healthcare executives have created in our hospitals. Last session, the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act won the support of Governor Tim Walz, and the DFL caucuses in both the Minnesota House and Senate.

Nurse-endorsed candidates elect-

ed at every level have pledged to work with nurses on key priorities, including:

• Support for the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act, to give nurses a seat at the table when staffing levels are set, to address the crisis of care and retention hospital executives have created in our hospitals

• Opposition to the Outsourcing Care Compact, which would move care away from Minnesota nurses and patients at the bedside

• Support for workers’ collective bargaining rights, including opposition to so-called ‘right-towork’ laws

While nurses continue to celebrate these wins, it’s also imperative that all MNA members get involved to hold elected officials accountable at the legislature in the years ahead. Nurses have ample opportunities to build relationships with their legislators each session. Read more about MNA’s upcoming 2023 Nurses’ Day on the Hill on page 6.

For more information about how to get involved in building relationships with legislators, contact MNA Political Organizer Cameron Fure at Cameron. Fure@mnnurses.org or at 651-2525028 (call/text).

Congratulations to MNA’s elected nurse-endorsed candidates

Grant Hauschild, SD3

Heather Keeler, HD4A

David Lislegard, HD7B

Jen McEwen, SD8

Liz Olson, HD8A

Alicia Kozlowski, HD8B

Aric Putnam, SD14

Nick Frentz, SD18

Jeff Brand HD18A Luke Frederick, HD18B

Tina Liebling, HD24B

Liz Boldon, SD25

Kimberly Hicks, HD25A

Matt Norris, HD32B

Josiah Hill, HD33B

John Hoffman, SD34

Melissa Hortman, HD34B

Jim Abeler, SD35

Zack Stephenson, HD35A

Jerry Newton, HD35B

Heather Gustafson, SD36

Brion Curran, HD36B

Kristin Bahner, HD37B

Susan Pha, SD38

Michael Nelson, HD38A

Samantha Yang, HD38B

Mary Kunesh, SD39

Erin Koegel, HD39A

Sandra Feist, HD39B

John Marty, SD40

Kelly Moller, HD40A

Jamie Becker-Finn, HD40B

Judy Seeberger, SD41

Bonnie Westlin, SD42

Ned Carroll, HD42A

Ginny Klevorn, HD42B

Ann Rest, SD43

Cedrick Frazier, HD43A

Mike Freiberg, HD43B

Tou Xiong, SD44

Peter Fischer, HD44A

Leon Lillie, HD44B

Patty Acomb, HD45B

Larry Kraft, HD46A

Cheryl Youakim, HD46B

Nicole Mitchell, SD47

Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, HD47A

Ethan Cha, HD47B

Steve Cwodzinski, SD49

Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, HD49B

Alice Mann, SD50

Steve Elkins, HD50B

Melissa Halvorson Wicklund, SD51

Mike Howard, HD51A

Jim Carlson, SD52

NURSES’ HISTORIC

In mid-September, 15,000 MNA nurses held a historic three-day strike, believed to be the largest private-sector nurses’ strike in United States history. Throughout the strike, an overwhelming majority of nurses from 15 hospitals in the Twin Cities and Twin Ports walked the picket line.

Each day of the strike, nurses in both the metro and Duluth held daily press conferences to highlight issues of understaffing, the corporatization of healthcare, and elements of their contract proposals including paid family leave, retention, scheduling and more. Nurses were joined on the picket lines by innumerable friends, family members, community supporters, union siblings, current and former patients and others who wanted to show their support for our fight.

On the final day of the strike, Duluth nurses held rallies at both Essentia and St. Luke’s hospitals. Elected officials joined negotiating team members to speak to the crowds, urging hospital executives to return to the bargaining table and settle a fair contract that prioritizes safe patient care.

“Out on the picket line, nurses built our collective power like never before,” said Mary C. Turner, RN at North Memorial Hospital and MNA President. “When our executives refuse to fully staff our hospitals and continue to push nurses out of the profession, that is a public health crisis. I hope the collec-

tive action of 15,000 nurses this week shows our CEOs that we are serious about solving this crisis – and I hope hospital executives will finally join us to work towards solutions. Nurses stand ready to return to the bargaining table to settle fair contracts to improve care and working conditions at the bedside.”

All 15,000 nurses returned to work after the strike and have continued to bargain their new contracts. Nurses have put forward proposals asking for a seat at the table when staffing decisions are made and for hospitals to address understaffing and solutions for keeping more nurses at the bedside.

“Corporate healthcare policies are devastating our communities, care at the bedside, and healthcare workers,” said Chris Rubesch, RN at Essentia Duluth and First Vice President of the Minnesota Nurses Association. “Hospital executives are closing facilities and charging patients more while taking home multi-million-dollar salaries.

Thousands of Duluth and Superior nurses joined nurses across the state to demand that hospital executives put the focus where it belongs in our hospitals: on patient care at the bedside, not the bottom line.”

3-DAY STRIKE

Bargaining & Collective Action Update

COLLECTIVE ACTION

Nurses call out executives for their silence on failure of leadership

In late September, MNA members from both St. Luke’s and Essentia Hospitals showed up at the Duluth City Council wearing MNA red and shared about the current state of negotiations with the Council and community members.

“I ask this Council to encourage and push Essentia and St. Luke’s to the bargaining table tomorrow and this week with the full intention of bargaining in good faith for a contract that acknowledges all nurses,” said MNA Member Therese Swanstrom, a nurse at Essentia Health.

On September 22, dozens of MNA nurses gathered in downtown Minneapolis to confront Allina Health CEO Lisa Shannon and M Health Fairview executive Jakub Tolar as they met with the investment bankers who are pushing corporate healthcare policies in our hospitals.

The hospital executives spoke at the Piper Sandler Heartland Summit, hosted by an investment banking giant that backs a profit-first approach to Minnesota healthcare. Piper Sandler President Debbra L. Schoneman and board member Tom Schreier both sit on the Board of Directors for Allina Health.

At the action, we called out these board members for their silence on Shannon’s failure of leadership during our negotiations.

In late September, MNA Nurses from across the metro gathered with M Health Fairview nurses to deliver their Vote of No Confidence to CEO James Hereford! He didn’t come to the door but that didn’t stop us from delivering it.

On October 6, nurses at Mayo Health Clinic in Lake City affirmed their faith in the power of our union to bargain collectively for better conditions for workers and patients, defeating an attempt by an anti-labor organization funded by millionaires who sought to

Duluth nurses ask City Council for support in negotiations

M Health Fairview nurses deliver Vote of No Confidence to CEO

Lake City Mayo nurses defeat decertification attempt

remove MNA representation from the nurses.

“Nurses today affirmed the power of our collective voice in the workplace,” said Jackie Kuzma, RN at Lake City Mayo Health Clinic. “Nurses at Lake City are our union, and we are here to stay in the fight for better conditions for our coworkers and our patients. No outside organization can come between the strength of nurses standing together to defend our profession, our patients, and our community.”

The attempt to strip workers’ collective bargaining rights at Lake City Mayo Health Clinic was driven by the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, a national anti-union outfit backed up by high-powered lawyers and supported by the dark money of millionaires and billionaires trying to undermine the power of workers. Another recent anti-union campaign by the group in Minnesota was backed up by local billionaire Glen Taylor and his family.

The national anti-union organization has made healthcare unions a target in Minnesota and nationally. Earlier this year, the group unsuccessfully targeted the Massachusetts Nurses Association on the heels of their successful strike for safe staffing and better pay and working conditions. As the anti-labor organization turns its sights on unionized workers at other healthcare facilities in Minnesota, MNA nurses’ successful fight to retain our union marks an important victory to protect the rights of workers from this high-powered, well-funded anti-union effort.

The vote by MNA nurses at Lake City is believed to be the first successful

defense against decertification by any union workers at any Mayo Health System facility in the state or nation.

hospital. Nurses’ message is clear –staffing in the ICU and throughout the hospital has reached critical levels. Nurses are being asked to do more with less to provide the care their patients expect and deserve. The letter was signed by every full-time Registered Nurse in the ICU and Critical Care, and many other nurses throughout the facility.

North Memorial nurses went to The Geneva Suites in mid-October to discuss our concerns regarding negotiations with Scott Hemenway, Chair of the North Memorial Foundation Board. Although, he was in the building, he refused to meet with nurses and acknowledge our presence. North Memorial nurses are looking forward to scheduling a meeting with him so that we can talk to him about what’s going on at negotiations.

Nurses at CHI St. Alexius ‘sound the alarm’ on staffing in open letter

“As patient advocates, it’s our job as nurses to make sure the quality of the care we provide is the best possible,” said Margo Maxon, RN, Intensive Care Unit. “When we’re staffed so short, management is effectively tying our hands behind our backs. We’re fed up and sounding the alarm bell now.”

Nurses tried to deliver their letter to the CHI St. Alexius Director of Nursing, Raumi Kudrna, RN, who refused to meet with the nurses. Nevertheless, the nurses waited outside her office for nearly half an hour. Nurses’ open letter comes in response to recent changes to staffing grids set by hospital executives who decide how many nurses will be staffed based on patient levels.

“I’m tired of my coworkers ending their shifts in tears,” said Preston Helvik, RN, Intensive Care Unit. “This is no way to care for our patients, and it’s not fair to treat our nurses like this.”

On October 17, nurses at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, North Dakota delivered an open letter to management and the community, “sounding the alarm” on staffing at the

“Nurses are exhausted. After two years of a pandemic, to treat us this way is a slap in the face,” said Marie Brown, RN, Intensive Care Unit. “We want to care for our patients with dignity. This is a hospital, not an assembly line. Patients and nurses deserve better.”

North Memorial nurses visit Board Chair who refuses to speak to them

Bargaining & Collective Action Update

The letter from CHI St. Alexius nurses includes a demand for “safe and reasonable workloads so that we may give our patients the attention they require, and so that we may deliver the standards of care that we know we are capable of, and that our patients deserve.”

Nurses at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center won their union in 2019 and affiliated with the Minnesota Nurses Association. They won their first contract one year later at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the only nurses’ union contract in the State of North Dakota.

Nurses hold vigils throughout the Twin Cities metro

moments of silence together. They also read a poem that recognized all that we have done and continue to do for patient care and healthcare in our state. Nurses at Fairview Southdale held candles and listened to a fellow member play Amazing Grace on the bagpipes before collectively reading the Florence Nightingale pledge.

It is past time for hospital CEOs to meet us at the table and resolve fair contracts to ensure safe staffing, retain nurses, and put Patients Before Profits in our hospitals!

to come to address these issues with her. However, when we took her up on her offer, she outright refused to hear our stories. During this brief interaction, we presented a letter with our concerns and requested a meeting with all of the hospital’s top executives to address the increasing concerns around safety and workplace violence. Instead of hearing and addressing these concerns and stories, she threatened to call security and deferred all pertaining conversations to the negotiating table. We are outraged that our safety, our team members’ safety, and our patients’ safety are not being taken seriously, and have no confidence in this leadership to continue to lead North Memorial!

On October 25, nurses across the Twin Cities Metro gathered together to hold candlelight vigils to draw attention to:

• The death of community care at the hands of corporate hospital executives

• The threat to quality patient care under the corporate policies of our CEOs

• The nurses struggling to stay at the bedside and the thousands who have been driven away Nurses gathered at Fairview Southdale Hospital, Methodist Hospital and North Memorial Hospital to share in

North Memorial Chief Nursing Officer refuses to speak with nurses

Welia nurses march on the boss

In late October, nurses at North Memorial Health Hospital visited the office of Chief Nursing Officer Molly Reagan to speak with her about issues surrounding safety and workplace violence.

Since March 2022, she has stated there’s an open-door policy for nurses

In late October, MNA nurses at Welia Health in Mora, MN marched on the boss to deliver a petition on safe staffing. Nurses have been bargaining their contract with Welia since July of this year.

Collective action from page 13

CARn

Staying active in MNA in my retirement

By Naomi English, MPH, RN, Active CARn Member

The Council of Active Retired Nurses (CARn) was formed in 2016 by MNA members who had long been active in their union, but who wanted to continue and enrich that involvement in retirement. CARn holds monthly educational meetings where members learn about issues affecting the healthcare industry and other topics of interest, receive updates on what is happening throughout the MNA membership, and discover areas where retirees can lend their support.

I first heard of this group when I was one of the union co-chairs at United Hospital. I provided CARn members with the names of United nurses who were retiring, in an effort to grow the organization. Just as active MNA members have been utilizing the organizing method to grow and strengthen our membership, CARn has been looking at ways to organize and increase our membership and reach within the organization.

Now that I am semi-retired myself, I have attended a few CARn meetings. I value groups within our union that give nurses an opportunity to continue their involvement and advocacy for our profession and for one another. CARn members are active in their community. We participate in many different volunteer opportunities, but some of the favorites have been Feed My Starving Children, packing backpacks for kids in need, knitting hundreds of red caps for babies (now discontinued), phone banking, and of course, participating in actions and events related to current

member mobilizations. We are always looking for more volunteer opportunities to give back to our communities while still utilizing our nursing skills.

If you or a nurse you know is nearing retirement age, add CARn membership to the list of things that need to be addressed before actual retirement. You can continue as a member in several categories. The MNA Membership Department can help you decide which is best for you:

a. Associate members (access to MNA for limited activities);

b. Honorary membership (if you’ve worked for 25 years and are over 65);

c. Non-collective bargaining membership

For membership information, contact retirednurses@mnnurses.org or one of the CARn officers. We would be pleased to have you involved. To learn more about the group, check out our page on the MNA website at https://mnnurses.org/resources/council-active-retired-nurses-carn/.

2023 MNA Elections

New Year – New Exciting Opportunities

MNA’s organization-wide leadership elections are coming up in 2023. While the call for nominations isn’t until this spring, it’s time to start thinking about elections now! Elected positions include the Board of Directors, Commission on Nursing Practice and Education, Commission on Governmental Affairs, Committee on Elections, and MN AFL-CIO Delegates. Non-Collective Bargaining members will also vote for their respective Delegates and CARn members will vote for their Leadership Committee.

To view all election-related information, log in to the Member Center and go to the MNA Elections page.

MNA Board of Directors

• The Board is comprised of 17 members; 15 members must be RNs covered by an MNA collective bargaining agreement. One Director position will be a non-RN covered by an MNA collective bargaining agreement, and one Director position will be a non-collective bargaining/ non-supervisory/non-managerial member.

• The Executive Committee consists of the: President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

• Elected members are expected to attend all meetings (approx. 10-11 Board of Director meetings/ year) and are also assigned to serve as liaisons to other member groups.

• Board members are responsible for ensuring implementation of the directives of the MNA House of Delegates.

• The Board establishes administrative policies governing MNA and provides for the transaction of general business.

• The Board adopts and administers the Association’s budget.

Commission on Nursing Practice & Education

• Is composed of eight collective bargaining unit members and four members-at-large.

• Identifies and reviews concerns for practice and takes appropriate action.

• Identifies resources and provides support to assist nurses in promoting safe nursing practice.

• Provides review and recommendation on nursing education and practice issues.

• Provides oversight of MNA educational offerings.

Commission on Governmental Affairs

• Consists of two members from each Congressional District and three members at-large (19 total).

• Actively promotes involvement in the governmental process at all levels. Informs and educates members.

• Develops long-range goals for MNA’s governmental affairs program.

• Monitors, researches, and analyzes legislation and legislative and regulatory trends.

Leadership Committee – Council of Active Retired Nurses

• Consists of seven retirees elected by the members of the Council of Active Retired Nurses.

• Meets at least biannually or more frequently as needed.

• Works with other MNA structural units to promote and support the goals and strategic priorities of MNA.

Non-Collective

Bargaining

Delegate – MNA House of Delegates

NOTE: Collective Bargaining Delegates are elected at the local level.

• Non-Collective Bargaining Delegates are apportioned and elected on a statewide basis.

• Elected delegates are expected to attend annual meetings and/or any other special meeting or orientation.

• They are responsible for participating in the MNA House of Delegates by reviewing and voting on proposed bylaw changes and resolutions.

Delegate – MN AFL-CIO

• Nominees for delegates to the MN AFL-CIO shall be MNA members covered by an MNA collective bargaining agreement.

• Elected delegates are expected to attend meetings bi-annually and/or for any other special meeting or orientation.

Committee on Elections

• This committee consists of a minimum of five persons, but no more than nine.

• Nominees for the Committee on Elections cannot be a nominee for any other elected MNA office except Delegate.

• The committee is responsible for issuing the Call for Candidates form and preparing the ballot for election.

• The committee investigates and determines the outcome of any election challenges.

Timeline for Organization Wide Offices

Call for Candidates will be posted to the Member Center, including all information required by both the Department of Labor (DOL) and MNA Bylaws. An all-member mailing will be sent directing them to the MNA website for more information.

Deadline to submit Call for Candidate forms.

The Election Committee will submit a ballot to the MNA President by this date and a sample ballot will be publicized to membership on the MNA Member Center.

Deadline for ballots to be received.

Ballots sent out via U.S. Postal Service First Class to allow for the election to take place in November per MNA Bylaws.

All elected MNA Board members and Commissioners will be notified as soon as election results are known. All other elected candidates will be notified after election results are made public on the MNA website.

DECEMBER FIRST WEEK

Newly elected take office. JANUARY

1

(following the election)

Notes from your American Heart Association (AHA) Instructor at MNA

Over the years, some healthcare organizations have limited classes such as AHA’s Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) to only specific units or removed the programs entirely. Some nurses have taken the course at their facility but are required to pay for their certificate/card if they would like a copy. In conversations with fellow nurses, it can be difficult to seek employment at other facilities. Many nurses have expressed gratitude that MNA now offers these AHA classes and, at this time, we plan to continue holding them in the future. With that, there is some important information to consider when signing up for the classes:

• Check the MNA Member Center regularly for classes and sign up early.

• There is a waiting list if the class is full. Prepare as if you are planning to attend class. This way, if a spot opens a day or two before class, you will be prepared to come to class. If a spot does not open, you will be prepared for class in the future.

• Follow your instructional email early and thoroughly.

• Order and review your books well before class. The books will be at your expense.

• Currently, there is not a fee to attend class or receive your AHA card/certificate.

• ACLS and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) have pre-course work. Complete these prior to class and email the certificate to your instructor.

• Request time off from work well in advance.

• If you cannot attend, notify the instructor immediately. This way people on the waitlist are able to get into those seats. It is also important as there is a minimum number of people we need to hold class.

• If you are outside of the Twin Cities and you would like to hold a class in your area, this may be possible. Please email me at Hattie.Idalski@mnnurses. org to review this.

o AHA BLS is typically 3-4.5 hours for initial and recertification classes. If it is a BLS recertification class, you must have your current AHA BLS certificate to attend.

o ACLS and PALS initial classes are two-day classes. You must have a current AHA BLS certificate to attend AHA ACLS and/or PALS.

o ACLS and PALS recertifications are a one-day class. You must have a current AHA certificate to attend the recertification classes.

o Ending times for classes can vary depending on the needs of the students.

If you have any questions regarding the AHA classes, please reach out to me at Hattie.Idalski@mnnurses.org I hope to see you in class!

2022 MNA Convention Recap

The 2022 MNA Convention marked the first in-person convention since 2019. This year’s convention was held at the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront Hotel in downtown Saint Paul, where delegates gathered to discuss and debate the future of their union.

The eventful weekend began with some light entertainment on Saturday evening with Duelly Noted, performing for delegates and guests who arrived on Saturday.

Convention Education

•

How We Got Here & What Nurses Can Do

Nurse Endangerment

•

•

Moral Suffering

Scientific Update on

COVID-19

Sunday Afternoon Forums

On Sunday afternoon, delegates then attended the Bylaws and Resolution Forum and the Legislative Forum. The former allowed for delegates to ask questions of any proposed bylaws, resolutions or main motions that would be up for debate the following days.

er workers made during the pandemic, and resulted in payments to over one million frontline workers throughout the state. Rachel Hanneman, RN, shared her story of nurses’ advocacy for Frontline Worker Pay alongside other frontline workers. Rachel shared the sense of duty and passion that she felt to advocate for other nurses and for other essential workers.

On Sunday morning, convention kicked off with education sessions ranging in topics from staffing to moral suffering to anti-racism work. Nurses were able to each attend three different education sessions, learning about the topics that most interested them and earning contact hours in the process. Education sessions included the following topics:

• Registered Nurse Staffing: How to Respond to Unsafe Assignments; Challenges and Gains in 2022

• Women’s Access to Healthcare & Reproductive Rights

• Nursing Practice & the Impact of our Actions or Inaction

• A History of Racism in Nursing: Creating an Anti-Racist Path Forward (NNU)

• America’s Mental Health Crisis:

During the 2022 Legislative Forum, MNA Governmental Affairs Commission (GAC) Chair Rebecca Nelson, RN, Abbott Northwestern, introduced the session with a review of the mission of the commission, to engage with the governmental process at all levels to advocate for MNA priorities and to educate and engage members in that process. Marcia Swanson, RN, Essentia Miller-Dwan, provided an overview of the GAC mentorship program, designed to help bring new nurse advocates into the work of GAC.

Next, MNA staff lobbyists Laura Sayles and Katie Kottenbrock provided a report on MNA priorities before the Minnesota State Legislature in the past year. One exciting win was the passage of Frontline Worker Pay. This bill began with MNA lobbying for recognition of the sacrifices nurses and oth-

MNA also worked with legislators to introduce the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act, a bill to give nurses a say in setting staffing levels on each unit in their hospitals. This bill made it further than any previous staffing legislation sought by MNA. Though it was blocked in the Minnesota Senate, the bill passed the Minnesota House and won support from Governor Walz. MNA lobbying also successfully opposed the push by hospital executives to bring Minnesota into the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact.

To achieve these goals, GAC and MNA pursued a parallel campaign, making demands on key issues like staffing at both the state legislature and the bargaining table. These efforts included direct nurse advocacy and action at the State Capitol and elsewhere, as well as lobbying and communications efforts to push the MNA message on these critical issues and to push back on the narrative of

hospital executives. John Welsh, RN, Unity Hospital, shared a recap on the work of the Nurse Staffing Working Group, a parallel campaign body that worked through consensus to develop strong staffing language for the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act and for the joint staffing proposal in Twin Cities and Twin Ports bargaining. While we haven’t achieved our goals yet, GAC noted that the parallel strategy made our voice stronger and our demands better received than ever before.

Tess Schlicksup, RN, Fairview Southdale, shared more about the powerful testimony nurses provided to the state legislature in arguing for the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act. These stories about what it is like for nurses to work short-staffed every day helped to change elected officials’ minds to support our bill. In addition to nurses who testified in committees, nearly 100 nurses joined more than 75 meetings to lobby their legislators. The power of nurses’ stories and the poor response by hospital executives led the House Health and Human Services Chair to call out those executives as “tone deaf” to the serious problem of short staffing in our hospitals.

Candy Matzke, RN, M Health Fairview Riverside, and Wayne Garrett, RN, M Health Fairview Lakes, shared updates on nurse advocacy around closures and new proposals from M Health Fairview, including the new facility Fairview plans to build with the for-profit Acadia Healthcare, a corporation with a spotty track record which will have 85 percent ownership of the new hospital. While the Minnesota Department of Health ruled the hospital to be in the public interest, MNA nurses testified to their concerns with this for-profit model and about recent closures by M Health Fairview; these concerns were heard and amplified by the Health Department in their review process.

Next, GAC looked ahead to the upcoming legislative session and MNA priorities in the year ahead. GAC is

proposing to continue advocacy on the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act into next year as part of the focus on staffing and retention of nurses in our hospitals. The proposal also continues work around the anti-corporatization of healthcare, including a new focus on anti-monopoly law. Finally, the legislative priorities continue to focus on the defense of collective bargaining rights, opposing so-called “Right to Work” laws and the interstate nurse licensure compact.

Tess and Rachel encouraged nurses to get involved in MNA’s electoral work this year, so that we can elect a pro-nurse majority in the Minnesota House and Senate this year to make even greater progress on the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act next year. Diane McLaughlin, retired RN from Abbott Northwestern, encouraged members to also plan ahead for the MNA Day on the Hill which will be held on February 15, 2023. This will be the first in-person day of lobbying by MNA members since 2019. It is a powerful opportunity for nurses to make their voices heard to their elected officials on the issues important to nurses. Finally, GAC presented the proposed changes to the MNA legislative platform, as debated and voted on by the MNA House of Delegates during Convention.

Honors & Awards Ceremony & Banquet

The 2022 MNA Honors and Awards Ceremony and Banquet was held Sunday evening. After two years of virtual awards, the 2020 and 2021 award recipients were invited to join this year’s in-person celebration so that their accomplishments could be properly recognized. The winners of MNAF’s 2022 scholarships were also announced at the banquet.

Many thanks to the MNAF for providing these opportunities to further knowledge of our profession and healthcare! A list of scholarship and grant recipients as well as the recipients of MNA’s 2022 Honors & Awards can be found on pages 21-22 of this issue.

Plenary Session: The Billionaires’ War on Workers: How to Defend Against Right to Work

This plenary session, hosted by MNA Organizing staff, began with a warm-up discussion about how nurses first learned of unions, and how different people come to form opinions about organized labor. This background framed the discussion, as the different perceptions people have of unions are exploited by anti-union forces to build their own strength at the expense of workers’ power.

The session then reviewed how workers in different sectors are forming unions at growing rates, including workers at Amazon, Chipotle, Starbucks, and Trader Joe’s. But with this rising tide of unions, elites are fighting back – through court cases like Janus v. AFSCME, legislation like “Right to Work” laws, and in the workplace through decertification.

These Right to Work laws are currently on the books in 28 states and are a tool to break unions. They allow workers to become “free riders,” not paying union dues while benefiting from the contract and the work of the union. The session then reviewed the racist legacy of these laws, which were first introduced in the Jim Crow south to break up the power of Black and multiracial union workers demanding better from their wealthy bosses. Stoking division by race is an intentional tactic by bosses to keep workers apart.

Today, only Illinois and Minnesota remain without Right to Work laws in the Midwest; but even still, Minnesota employers take advantage of the fact that neighboring states have Right to Work, by benchmarking against their lower, non-union standards on pay, staffing, and other issues.

Beyond keeping more money for themselves, the goal of Right to Work is to retain full control by bosses. Nurses in attendance shared stories of what it might be like without the union. One nurse shared a story of a non-union

Convention recap from page 19

hospital 20 minutes from where she works, where nurses are paid $15 less per hour and can be fired at a moment’s notice.

Employers also push decertification in the workplace to try to drive out unions. They third-party the union and accuse it of getting in the way of better pay and working conditions for workers. Decertification happens when members don’t feel a connection to their union – that can happen when members don’t own the work of organizing. It can also happen on units without member leaders or organization, where the managers become leaders. Decertification can also happen if organic leaders turn to decertification. And it can happen if the anti-unionists are able to out-organize the pro-union workers.

Next, the session reviewed recent decertification threats against MNA, other Minnesota unions, and NNU nurses in MA. Presenters highlighted the success of Marshalltown nurses who fought off a decertification effort and also noted the recent decertification at Mayo Mankato. Mayo used to be seen as the premier employer for healthcare workers, touting themselves as better than union jobs. But today, job satisfaction rates are declining, and the new management team has been targeting unions for decertification. By the time Mankato nurses started organizing against the decertification it was too late, as the decertification campaign backed by the national Right to Work foundation had a one-year head start.

Finally, the session reviewed the tactics employers use to bust a union, and how nurses can fight back. These anti-union tactics include creating fear, dividing and conquering, and enlisting frontline managers in the anti-union fight. The best strategies nurses have to fight back are inoculation – building trust and preparing workers to recognize management tactics – and solidarity through organizing.

The presenters left nurses to reflect on how to build a well-organized

workplace, including a checkup on the health of your bargaining unit and what can be done to strengthen and improve solidarity and organizing. To close, nurses shared reflections on the importance of the union difference and their commitment to building a strong, united labor movement for the future.

House of Delegates

We were joined by Minnesota AFLCIO President Bernie Burnham (virtually), MNA outgoing Executive Director Rose Roach, MNA incoming Executive Director Karlton Scott, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Governor Tim Walz.

for this year’s convention was Amanda Peterson, RN, BSN, CCRN, CNP, author of Everybody Just Breathe, a memoir of being a United Hospital ICU nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Keynote

After many cheers and even a few tears, the speeches set the tone for delegates to get down to business and begin discussion and debate over proposed Bylaws Amendments, Resolutions and Main Motions. A summary of the House of Delegates’ Actions is included on the following pages.

Speaker

Bylaws Amendments, Resolutions, & Main Motions

Main Motion M1: 2022 Legislative Platform Adopted as amended

Main Motion M2: HOD Policy: Member Organizing and Networking Referred to Committee

Hold quarterly meetings with member leaders for all bargaining units to discuss important matters, develop broad strategic goals, and build solidarity. Referred to Committee: the HOD Chair will appoint 5-7 members to provide recommendations to the Board within 3-4 months in order to operationalize this Main Motion.

Main Motion M3: HOD Policy: Strike Stipend Defeated

Provide a $60 stipend for all striking members for every day that they are on the strike line during a lawful, MNA-approved strike that is longer than 7 days.

Bylaws Amendment A1 Defeated

Art IV Sect 3D & Art V Sect 3 A, D: CARn Delegates

Create a new Delegate election classification to include only retired members.

Bylaws Amendment A2 Adopted

Art V Sect 6A: Meetings-HOD Cancellation Establish a process to cancel MNA’s House of Delegates due to unforeseen circumstances.

Bylaws Amendment A3 Adopted Art V Sect 6B: Meetings-Virtual HOD Establish a process to move MNA’s in-person Convention to a virtual platform, if necessary.

Bylaws Amendment A4 Adopted (Combined with A5) Art VII Sect 7C & Art VIII Sect 1B,6 - Eliminate Ethics Committee Eliminate MNA’s Ethics Committee and return those functions to the Commission on Nursing Practice & Education.

Bylaws Amendment A5 Adopted (Combined with A4) Art VII Sect 7C & Art VIII Sect 1D,8-Eliminate Health & Safety Committee Eliminate MNA’s Health & Safety Committee and return those functions to the Commission on Nursing Practice & Education.

Bylaws Amendment A6 Adopted as amended

Art VIII Sect 1F & 10: Screening & Endorsements

Committee Create a new standing committee to coordinate political candidate screenings by geographic region, make recommendations, and support MNA’s electoral programs.

Bylaws Amendment A7 Adopted

Art XIII Sect 3: Amendments-Submission Deadline Move the submission deadline for Bylaws Amendments from July 15 to June 15.

Resolution R1: All Voices Heard Failed

Resolution R2: Create a Task Force on Public Safety & Reform Failed

Resolution R3: Empowering/Strengthening MNA Through Transparency, Knowledge & Organizing Adopted

Resolution R4: Mental Health Workgroup Recommendations Adopted

Resolution R5: Organizational Support for Women’s Rights to Reproductive Health Adopted

Resolution R6: Strengthening Unions Through Informed Elections Failed

Resolution R7: Support for Human Rights of Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming People Adopted

2022 MNA Honors & Awards

Each year, we recognize our fellow nurses and friends in their accomplishments with our annual MNA Honors & Awards. The 2022 Honors & Awards Recognition Banquet took place during MNA’s Convention in October of this year. The following were this year’s honorees.

Public Official Award:

Representative Tina Liebling

The Public Official Award honors a local or state public official who, through involvement in policymaking, has placed a high priority on influencing policy that assists MNA in reaching its goals.

Paul and Sheila Wellstone Social Justice Award:

Representative Liz Olson

The Social Justice Award honors the nurse, elected official, or community leader who demonstrates a lifetime achievement of working to better the lives of others by increasing their access to quality healthcare.

Sarah Tarleton Colvin Political Activist Award: Rachel Hanneman

The Sarah Tarleton Colvin Political Activist Award honors a nurse or a group of nurses who are role models for nurses because of activities above and beyond those of the general nursing community, further the political presence of nursing, and accomplish public policy changes that benefit the nursing profession.

Mentorship in Nursing Award: Meghan O’Keefe

The Mentorship in Nursing Award goes to a member who has shown leadership through mentoring that models values, attitudes, and behaviors consistent with those of our profession, helping nurses reach their full potential.

Ruth L. Hass Excellence in Practice Award: Jess Camlek & Sheila Ibe

The Ruth L. Hass Excellence in Practice Award goes to nurses who have demonstrated expert knowledge and practice in their clinical area of nursing and are recognized by peers as role models of sustained, high-quality nursing practice.

Elizabeth Shogren Health & Safety Award: Paisley Svensson

The Elizabeth Shogren Health and Safety Award honors the nurse or nurses who have made sustained and substantial contributions to the health, safety, and well-being of the nursing community in which they work.

Audrey Logsdon/Geraldine Wedel Award: Essentia Moose Lake Nurses

The Audrey Logsdon/Geraldine Wedel award honors nurses who have made significant contributions to nurses and the nursing practice through collective bargaining activities.

Distinguished Service Award: Marcia Swanson

The Distinguished Service Award honors a nurse who makes significant contributions to the health and well-being of the community where he or she lives and works.

MNA President’s Award: Tiffany Eidelbes

The President’s Award honors members who have made sustained and substantial contributions to MNA through active participation in organizational activities.

Award

2022 MNAF Scholarship Recipients

The Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation (MNAF) provides thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants to members and students every year to support nursing research and education. The scholarships provide excellent opportunities to advance the nursing profession and we encourage everyone to see if there’s an opportunity for you or someone you know.

This year, the Foundation awarded $57,000 in scholarships to the following MNA members and their dependents:

Mary Eliza Mahoney Scholarship

Brandi Reynolds, Rasmussen University Janky Foundation Scholarship

Cassandra Caola, St. Catherine’s University Sarah Colvin Social Justice Scholarship

Audrey Garcia, The College of St. Scholastica Member Scholarship

Khadijat Adeniji,The College of St. Scholastica

Lauren Barth, Minnesota State University Mankato

Samantha Ewals, Walden University

Danyel Haime, American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University

Samantha Jamison, St. Catherine’s University

Inga Knudson, University of Minnesota Twin Cities School of Nursing

Claire Kron, St. Catherine’s University

Jaime Martinez Botello, Southwest Minnesota State University

Michelle Olson, Walden University

Rosemary Onduso, University of Minnesota

Kira Tran, The College of St. Scholastica

Legacy Scholarship

(for children/dependents of MNA Members)

Dao Atomsa, University of Minnesota

Twin Cities, enrolled in undergraduate program in Biology

Tara Behmanesh, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, enrolled in undergraduate program in Genetics Cell Biology and Development

Ben Dittrich, University of Wisconsin Superior, enrolled in undergraduate program in Writing

Tyler Everson, University of Minnesota Duluth, enrolled in undergraduate program in Mechanical Engineering

Kylee Grabow, North Dakota State University, enrolled in undergraduate program in Nursing

Makenna Johnson, Grand Canyon University, enrolled in undergraduate program in Nursing

Landra Lowell, Minneapolis College & Technical College, enrolled in undergraduate program in Computer Science

Emmanuella Nwanekpe, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, enrolled in undergraduate program in Graphic Design

Tsundrul Palmo, University of Minnesota, enrolled in undergraduate program in Finance

Allison Pasdo, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, enrolled in undergraduate program in Pre-Nursing

Angelica Pexa, Mankato State University, enrolled in undergraduate program in Nursing

Camryn Warner, Winona State University, enrolled in undergraduate program in Nursing

Leah Yavarow, Inver Hills

Community College, enrolled in undergraduate program in Nursing

For more information about MNAF and how to apply for a future scholarship or grant, please visit https://mnnurses.org/resources/mnaf/

MNA Annual Notices Regarding Dues

(This notice is not applicable to public sector employees or employees of employers located in right-to-work states, except employees of employers in those states who are covered by the Railway Labor Act or are situated on U.S. Government property.)

EMPLOYEES SUBJECT TO UNION SECURITY CLAUSES

As an employee working under a Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) agreement containing a union security clause, you are required, as a condition of employment, to pay dues or fees to MNA. This is the only obligation under the union security clause. You do not have to actually become a member of MNA. Individuals who are members pay dues while individuals who are non-members pay an agency fee. This fee, which is authorized by law, is your fair share of paying for the benefits of union representation that you and your co-workers receive. Non-members may file objections to paying for expenditures that are not germane to MNA’s duties as collective bargaining representative and obtain a reduction in fees for those activities. This notice contains information relevant to deciding whether to object, and the internal MNA procedures for filing objections.

Non-member fee payers give up many benefits that only MNA members receive. As a member, you will have all the benefits and privileges of membership, including the right to fully participate in the internal activities of the union, the right to attend and participate in membership meetings, the right to participate in contract ratification and strike votes, the right to vote to set or raise dues and fees, the right to nominate and elect MNA officers, and the right to run for MNA office and for convention delegate.

If you nonetheless elect to become an agency fee payer, you will be required to pay, as a condition of employment, an “agency fee” that represents a percentage of the monthly dues for reasonable and necessary costs incurred in acting as your bargaining representative. The agency fee is calculated based on those “chargeable” expenditures germane to collective bargaining activities MNA incurred during the most recently completed fiscal year. Among those expenditures germane to collective bargaining for which agency fee payers may be charged are those made for the negotiation, administration, and enforcement of the collective bargaining agreement; all expenses related to representing employees in the bargaining unit, including the investigation and processing of grievances; MNA administration; and other germane expenses. Those expenditures that are non-chargeable are identified as expenditures for activities not germane to MNA’s duty as your bargaining representative, such as expenditures for certain lobbying activities and to support political candidates. Currently, 13.96% of MNA’s expenditures are deemed to be non-chargeable expenditures. The financial information provided herewith summarizes the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses.

If you are a member and wish to resign from MNA, or if you do not want to become a member, and you object to paying dues equal to the amount customarily paid by MNA members and wish to pay agency fees instead, you must notify MNA of your choice by sending a letter in the mail so stating to the Membership Department, Minnesota Nurses Association, 345 Randolph Avenue, Suite 200, St. Paul, MN, 55102. The letter must include your full name, mailing address, your employer’s name, your job classification, and your date of hire. In all cases, if you are thereafter employed as a new employee by another employer with a union security agreement with MNA, you must follow the above process with respect to obtaining agency fee status with your new employer.

If you submit a valid objection, you will receive another copy of MNA’s calculation of representational expenditures, verified by an independent certified public accountant, and shall have their dues reduced to reflect the percentage of non-representational expenditures from the previous year. The current percentage of the reduction would be by 13.96%. This reduction in dues will commence on the first day of the month following the receipt of the objection. If you have signed a payroll deduction authorization card, MNA will instruct your employer to deduct that agency fee from your paycheck. If you have not signed a payroll deduction authorization card, you must pay the amount of the agency fee directly to MNA in a timely manner. This agency fee status will be treated as continuing in nature. Should you wish to discontinue this status, you may do so at any time by contacting MNA.

Non-member objectors have the right to challenge MNA’s calculations of representational expenditures before an impartial arbitrator. Such challenges must be made in writing, explain the basis for the challenge, and be received by MNA within 30 days of the employee receiving the calculation information. Upon receipt of a timely valid challenge, MNA will put the challenged amount of dues in an interest-bearing escrow account. If more than one non-member objector challenges the calculations, the challenges will be consolidated for hearing. The decision of the impartial arbitrator will be final and binding.

Chargeable/Non-Chargeable Expense Analysis

MNA fully expects that few, if any, employees it represents will avail themselves of the option of agency fee status since it firmly believes that all employees represented by MNA recognize the importance of all the expenses incurred by MNA on their behalf in the continuing struggle to improve the working conditions and job security of employees represented by MNA. While it is your legal right to be a non-member and to object to paying full dues, we believe that doing so is not in your best interest or in the interest of your co-workers.

Before choosing agency fee payer status over full member benefits of MNA membership, read this notice carefully and be aware of the benefits that you will be giving up.

Chargeable/Non-Chargeable Expense Analysis

Fees charged to non-member agency fee payers support expenditures for representational costs such as collective bargaining, contract enforcement, grievance processing, union administration, and other matters made by the Minnesota Nurses Association and National Nurses United (NNU). The chargeable portion of the National Nurses United (NNU) assessment is based on an analysis of the NNU audited expenses. Non-chargeable items include, among other things, certain lobbying costs and political activities, as well as costs related to maintaining a political action fund. Newsletter costs are non-chargeable to the extent that the content is related to a nonchargeable activity.

Fees charged to non-member agency fee payers support expenditures for representational costs such as collective bargaining, contract enforcement, grievance processing, union administration, and other matters made by the Minnesota Nurses Association and National Nurses United (NNU). The chargeable portion of the National Nurses United (NNU) assessment is based on an analysis of the NNU audited expenses. Non-chargeable items include, among other things, certain lobbying costs and political activities, as well as costs related to maintaining a political action fund. Newsletter costs are non-chargeable to the extent that the content is related to a non-chargeable activity.

The financial information below summarizes the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses with corresponding percentages for each level.

The financial information below summarizes the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses with corresponding percentages for each level.

Agency

Fee Analysis Financial Summary

Source: 2021 Audited Financial Statements

Minnesota Nurses Association

Chargeable and Non-Chargeable Expenses

Schedule of Expenses and Allocation of Modified Cash Basis

Year Ended December 31, 2021

Total Non-Chargeable Chargeable EXPENSES

Salaries/Benefits 10,524,479 860,814 9,663,665 Affiliation Fees 2,143,698 673,203 1,470,495 Negotiating Payments/Professional Fees 1,276,610 54,584 1,222,026 Travel/Meetings 234,028 833 233,195 Overhead/Administrative 731,878 261,283 470,595 Office Lease/Insurance/Depreciation 716,474 - 716,474 Political Committee 300,000 300,000Printing/Mailings/Promotion 235,590 105,047 130,543 Total expenses 16,162,757 2,255,764 13,906,993

FAIR SHARE PERCENTAGE 86.04%

MNA Member Dues for 2023

MNA member dues will increase from $74.20 per month to $76.20 per month for 2023. Annual dues rates are calculated based on the change in the average starting pay of bargaining unit contracts. If the average starting pay increases, your MNA dues will increase on January 1 of each year. Dues rates for 2023 are based on the average change in starting pay rates on December 31, 2021. MNA dues rates for non-RNs will remain $26.00-$52.00 per month.

Bargaining unit members who work less than 832 hours per year may be eligible for reduced dues at 50 percent of the regular dues rate. Dues for registered nurse members who do not belong to an MNA bargaining unit are also 50 percent of the regular dues rates.

An Associate Membership option is available for registered nurses who are not represented by MNA for collective bargaining, who wish to have access to MNA for volunteer activities, but with no additional membership rights. Student nurses enrolled in an RN Nursing program are also eligible for Associate Membership.

The annual and monthly dues rates for the various categories of dues payers are listed below. If you have any questions related to your MNA dues, please contact the MNA office and ask for a Membership Account Specialist. MNA Dues/Service

Legislative Session 2023

This year’s biennial Session begins on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. With the DFL retaining the Governor’s office and the majority in the House of Representatives, and a new DFL majority in the Senate, hopes will be high for democrats to enact legislation that they advocated for while they were out on the campaign trail. The House of Representatives decided Representative Melissa Hortman (DFL—Brooklyn Park) will remain as Speaker of the House and have elected Representative Jamie Long (DFL—Minneapolis) as the Majority Leader. Representative Athena Hollins will serve as the Majority Whip. The House Republicans have elected Representative Lisa Demuth (GOP—St. Michael) as the minority leader.

The Minnesota Senate has all new elected leaders as they were in the minority the last two legislative sessions. Senator Kari Dziedizk (DFL—Minneapolis) is the new Majority Leader and Senator Bobby Jo Champion (DFL—Minneapolis) is the Senate President. The Senate GOP minority caucus elected Senator Mark Johnson (GOP—East Grand Forks) as their leader. While both bodies have decided who will chair committees, the actual membership of those committees is still being figured out.

These newly elected legislators will have a lot of work in front of them when they begin session. 2023 is the first year of the biennium which means the legislature has to put together and enact a budget that will fund the state agencies for the 2025-2026 Fiscal year. With a surplus of just over $12 billion, it seems like a relatively simple job compared to having to make large budget cuts to fix a deficit. But with the Senate DFL majority having just a one-seat edge, nothing is a certainty. With many legislators who have not held state office before, there will also be a learning curve as state agencies

and community organizations, labor unions, and other professional organizations ask these legislators to support their 2023 legislative agendas.

A few issues have emerged as bills that DFL majorities want to make sure get done this session. They’ve expressed interest in codifying reproductive healthcare in Minnesota law as well as working to finally pass a Paid Family Medical Leave benefit. There has also been mention of allowing sports betting in the state, legalizing recreational marijuana for adult use, and drivers licenses for all in the state, regardless of immigration status. It’s also likely that the legislature will spend time investigating the proposed merger between Sanford Health and M Health Fairview to ensure that not only will people all over Minnesota still have adequate access to healthcare, but to also make sure that existing labor rights are respected.

The Minnesota Nurses Association is preparing to educate new legislative members on the issues of safe staffing and the solutions we have put forward in the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act as we work to pass this priority piece of legislation.

Nurses will need to be actively involved this legislative session, building relationships and having conversations with legislators to ensure that healthcare legislation that supports nurse priorities and safe patient care is passed this year. Join your fellow nurses for the 2023 Nurses Day on the Hill (read more on page 6) or contact MNA Political Organizer Cameron Fure at Cameron.Fure@mnnurses.org or 651-252-5028 (call/text).

988 9

In times of despair, when we or someone we know are experiencing a mental health crisis, the thought of finding resources to help us through may seem overwhelming. Picking up the phone to search for a crisis number to call may seem like it is just too much. Now, there’s an easier number to remember.

In 2020, Congress signed into law The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which authorized a new three-digit number to be used when people are experiencing thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. You can now call or text 988, to connect with trained counselors and get help. This number is meant for use by both those who are experiencing the crisis and those who may be worried about someone else. There is also an option to chat online at https://988lifeline.org/chat/

As nurses, we witness traumatic events on a regular basis. Often, these traumatic events linger in our minds. Even though these wounds cannot be seen physically, they can still bring us immense pain. You are not alone. You matter. There are people who care about you. Check on your coworkers. Please pick up the phone and dial 988 if you or someone you know may be experiencing emotional distress. There is hope.

Minnesota

Minnesota Nurses Association

Randolph Ave., Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55102-3610

Rose Roach, Minnesota Nurses Association 345 Randolph Ave., Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55102-3610

Lauren Nielsen, Minnesota Nurses Association 345 Randolph Ave., Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55102-3610

Chris Reinke, Minnesota Nurses Association 345 Randolph Ave., Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55102-3610

Minnesota Nurses Association 345 Randolph Ave., Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55102-3610

a.Total

b.Paid

Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid (1) distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)

Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid (2) distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)

Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, (3) Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS®

Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (4) (e.g., First-Class Mail®)

c.Total Paid Distribution

Nurses represent at the 2022 Minnesota State Fair

From August 25 to September 5 this year, nurses volunteered at MNA’s Minnesota State Fair booth. Located in the AFL-CIO Labor Pavilion, MNA nurses were joined by fellow union members from across the state, sharing about their collective struggles with fair-goers.

This year, nurses continued to apply pressure on hospitals in contract negotiations by highlighting hospitals’ corporate, profit-first policies. Nurses also engaged with the public to promote the 2022 elections and to collect stories from patients in the anti-corporatization fight.

Volunteers handed out free giveaways branded with the MNA logo and

the Patients Before Profits slogan and shared their own stories and some key facts about what’s happening right now in hospitals with fair-goers visiting the MNA booth.

Many nurse-endorsed candidates visited the booth to share their support of nurses’ collective struggles. Nurse volunteers were also visited by nurses, friends, and family members from across the state, showing up to share their words of support and learn about how they can stand with nurses to prioritize patient care in our hospitals.

Overall, the Fair was a great success and we look forward to an even more successful Fair experience in 2023!

Upcoming Meetings

Board of Directors

Wednesday, January 18 Wednesday, February 15 Commission on Governmental Affairs (GAC)

Wednesday, January 11, 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 1-4 p.m.

Commission on Nursing Practice and Education Wednesday, January 4, 12- 3 p.m.

CARn

Wednesday, January 11, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Racial Diversity Committee

Executive Meetings

No dates set as of publication.

Racial Diversity Committee General Membership Meetings

No dates set as of publication.

Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation (MNAF) Wednesday, January 25, 9-11 a.m.

Proposals

for the House of Delegates are now due on June 15.

Due to a bylaw change by the 2022 House of Delegates, members will now be required to submit any proposals for the House of Delegates by June 15 of each year, instead of July 15.

MNA Visions, Values, and Strategic Pathways for 2022

MNA Mission Statement

1. Promote the professional, economic, and personal well-being of nurses.

2. Uphold and advance excellence, integrity, and autonomy in the practice of nursing.

3. Advocate for quality care that is accessible and affordable for all.

MNA Purpose

The purpose of the Minnesota Nurses Association, a union of professional nurses with unrestricted RN membership, shall be to advance the professional, economic, and general well-being of nurses and to promote the health and well-being of the public. These purposes shall be unrestricted by considerations of age, color, creed, disability, gender, gender identity, health status, lifestyle, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

MNA Vision and Values

MNA is a positive, powerful union of professional direct patient care nurses that advances nursing practice, effective, safe staffing and working conditions, patient interests and works to build a healthy community, empowered profession, and fair and just society along the principles of the Main Street Contract:

• Jobs at living wages

• Guaranteed healthcare

• A secure retirement

• Equal access to quality education

• A safe and clean environment

• Good housing

• Protection from hunger

• Human rights for all

• An end to discrimination

• A just taxation system where corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share

In practice, this means:

1. MNA empowers registered nurses to use their collective strength, knowledge, and experience to advance and enhance safe and professional nursing practice, nursing leadership, and the community health and well-being.

2. MNA promotes effective RN staffing and safe working conditions for both patients and registered nurses in direct patient care, in policy and political arenas, and in our communities.

3. MNA builds its power as a union of professional nurses by increasing its membership and exercises that power through effective internal and external organizing, and member participation, activism, education, and mobilization.

4. MNA actively promotes social, economic and racial justice and the health, security, and well-being of all in its organizational programs and collaborations with partner organizations.

5. MNA works in solidarity with the National Nurses United and the AFL-CIO to build a worker movement that promotes the rights of patients, nurses, and workers across the United States.

Strategic Pathways

MNA will achieve its vision through six key strategic pathways.

• Strengthen the integrity of nursing practice, nursing practice environments, and safe patient staffing standards and principles

• Oppose any attacks on nursing practice and workers’ rights, including any attempts of deskilling the professional nurse’s scope of practice and right-to-work legislation.

• Collectively bargain from strength across the upper Midwest

• Organize externally and internally to increase MNA membership and continue to increase solidarity and participation of membership locally, regionally, and nationally.

• Elect politicians who will implement nurse/worker-friendly public policy, including safe staffing and a healthcare system that includes everyone and excludes no one.

• Work in solidarity with the NNU and AFL-CIO and other community allies to advance nursing, health care and worker justice issues.

MNA candidate winners from page 7

Liz Reyer, HD52A

Ruth Richardson, HD52B

Mary Frances Clardy, HD53A Rick Hansen, HD52B Brad tabke, HD54A Lindsey Port, SD55 Jess Hanson, HD55A Kaela Berg, HD55B Erin Maye Quade, SD56 Robert Bierman, HD56A John Huot, HD56B Kristi Pursell, HD58A Bobby Joe Champion, SD59 Fue Lee, HD59A

Esther Agbaje, HD59B Kari Dziedzic, SD60 Sydney Jordan, HD60A Mohamud Noor, HD60B Scott Dibble, SD61 Frank Hornstein, HD61A Jamie Long, HD61B Omar Fateh, SD62 Aisha Gomez, HD62A Hodan Hassan, HD62B Zaynab Mohamed, SD63

Samantha Sencer-Mura, HD63A Emma Greenman, HD63B

Erin Murphy, SD64 Kaohly Her, HD64A Dave Pinto, HD64B Sandy Pappas, SD65

Maria Isa Perez-Hedges, HD65B Clare Oumou Verbeten, SD66 Leigh Finke, HD66A Athena Hollins, HD66B Foung Hawj, SD67

Liz Lee, HD67A Jay Xiong, HD67B

Statewide Candidates

Governor Tim Walz

Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan

Attorney General Keith Ellison

State Auditor Julie Blaha

Secretary of State Steve Simon

MNA welcomes new staff

Stephen Fitze, Labor Administrative Assistant, Previously an MNA Temporary Political Organizer, Stephen is transitioning into the role of Labor Administrative Assistant.

Lily Anthony, Senior Lead Labor Administrative Assistant, Previously an MNA Labor Administrative Assistant, Lily is transitioning into a Senior Lead role in the administrative department.

Zachary Smith, Labor Relations Specialist, Prior to coming to MNA, Zachary worked at SEIU 32BJ in New York as a Research Analyst.

Katie Kottenbrock, Lobbyist, Previously an MNA Researcher/Lobbyist, Katie is transitioning into the role of full-time Lobbyist with MNA.

Lisa Sanford, RN, Labor Relations Specialist, Lisa was a steward and negotiations team member at Children’s Hospital – St. Paul campus where she worked as a Clinical Educator in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and now joins MNA as a Labor Relations Specialist.