Striking nurses went back to the bargaining table with Health Partners administrators Friday morning in Stillwater, but the negotiations went nowhere.
That according to a social media post from SEUI Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa, which claimed no movement from the health care provider from the most recent proposal.
Here is the statement from SEIU, posted on the union's Facebook page:
The negotiations came as picketers wrapped up their fourth and final day of their walkout.
The talks effect about 80 workers at the clinic, who picketed most of the week on the Curve Crest Boulevard sidewalk in front of the facility.
Even on Friday, passersby in cars were waving and honking their horns, with one reaching out with a ringing cowbell, the show of support drawing cheers from the rank-and-file.
The mood among the SEIU rank-and-file had been upbeat Friday morning, considering Health Partners reportedly contacted them on Thursday to ask for another round of talks.
The union members even changed one of their chants, stating that they wanted a deal with fair wages “last week.”
“As a result of the strength and unity of this group, the bargaining team is headed back for one more round of negotiations,” said SEIU’s Phillip Cryan. “We don’t know what to expect, we’re going to walk in, and we’re going to hear them out.”
There are no plans to extend the walkout, and no further strike dates scheduled.
About 80 workers, including nurses, medical assistants and other service-unit health care positions, are affected by the talks.
Health Partners negotiators say they want a fair and financially responsible agreement.
Union members say the health care provider failed to make major concessions in the most recent round of negotiations.
“They make some very small movement, and it isn’t what all you’ve said you need to see in order to have a deal,” said Cryan.
The Health Partners clinic is closed on weekends except for urgent care.
No matter what happens, the union members are committed to returning to work to pick up their next shifts.
In a statement, Health Partners administrators say patients would receive excellent care and service during the work stoppage.
Among the key issued are wages and benefits for longtime employees.