Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association are expected to announce the union’s next steps Thursday as the union negotiates contracts for thousands of nurses.

The nurses are asking for pay increases, scheduling changes and safer working conditions.

In September, 15,000 nurses walked out in a historic three-day strike. Many of the nurses have been working without a contract since the end of May.

Nurses say they’re bargaining in “good faith” without much movement.

As previously reported, two weeks ago, the nurses held a rally in downtown Minneapolis, where union president Mary Turneer called on board members of healthcare systems to hold their CEOs accountable and cited the need for safer work environments.

Multiple healthcare organizations issued statements on Nov. 2 in response to that rally.

“Allina Health is disappointed that the Minnesota Nurses Association continues to focus its energy on public rallies and demonstrations rather than getting serious about negotiating a fair and sustainable contract.”

Allina Health

“Our hospitals have asked the nurses’ union to join us in mediation to help reach a fair and equitable agreement, but time and time again, the nurses’ union has rejected mediation.”

Twin Cities Hospital Group

Essentia Health says it has exchanged proposals with the union this week, saying the following:

“We look forward to continued movement at the next bargaining session scheduled for Dec. 1.”

Essentia Health

The union is expected to make the announcement at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Check back for updates.

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