MINNESOTA — Frontline Allina Health healthcare workers at Regina Hospital in Hastings voted with an overwhelming majority Monday to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike if the two sides cannot reach a deal. The bargaining team would have to give a 10-day notice for any potential strike. The two sides held their fifth bargaining session on Wednesday, June 30th.

The bargaining unit includes around 100 SEIU Members who work jobs like Dietary Aide, Cook, EVS Aide, Janitor, Linen Aide, Patient Care Tech, Physical Therapy Aide, Surgical Support Tech and more, all of whom have been on the front lines during COVID-19.

Jesse Nei, a lead cook at Regina Hospital for 19 years, shared the frustration of many of the essential healthcare workers who voted yes to authorize a ULP strike if Allina refuses to reach a fair deal: “I voted yes to authorize a ULP strike because we deserve to be treated fairly for the work we do every day for the community members who come into our hospital. We’re running so short on staff, and after this last year many are watching these negotiations to see if our hard work is valued by our employer. We are fighting for higher wages, better health & safety protections and safe staffing levels to ensure we have the best people in here to help keep the hospital running,” said Nei. “We’ve been with Allina for seven years and it doesn’t always feel like we’re part of the team. We’re providing the same quality of care and service as other Allina hospitals in Minnesota, yet we are paid less than others and receive less benefits and support. As a lifelong member of this community who has had family members receive wonderful care here at Regina, I’m concerned about what happens to our community hospital if we don’t take steps forward. I hope Allina will reach a fair dea with usl, but if not we showed today we are ready to stand up for what is right.”

Kathy Bronsing, a dietary aide for 43 years at Regina Hospital, shared why she voted yes: “The hospital, assisted living facility and community meals we serve are so important to our community. I voted yes to authorize a ULP strike because it’s so critical we are able to continue to do this important work to help the people of our community,” said Bronsing. “I’ve been here for over 40 years and know that we all want what is best for Regina and the Hastings community, so I hope we can reach a fair deal that respects the work we do every day. If we can’t, we’re ready to stand up for what is right for healthcare workers, our patients and our community.”

The main issues that the bargaining team are pushing for include: Fair Wages. Workers are fighting for the same wage rates as SEIU Members who work at Buffalo Hospital to ensure the hospital can have the best staff possible for patients.

Safe Staffing Levels to protect patients and workers.

Lower-cost Health Insurance so essential healthcare workers are able to be healthy to ensure they can provide the care and service.