Twin Cities nursing home employees walk off the job

Picket lines could be seen throughout the day in downtown Minneapolis and at senior facilities across the Twin Cities as about 1,000 workers from a dozen nursing facilities joined some 4,000 janitors in strikes for better pay and working conditions.

"We are dealing with an incredible amount of short staffing," said Jamie Gulley, president of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa, while picketing with workers early Tuesday at Saint Therese Senior Living of New Hope. "Workers are being mandated to work long days. And sometimes 20 to 30 days in a row. ... We still have not gotten enough people back in the industry. And this has been going on for years."

The sector was hit hard by the pandemic, in terms of seniors getting ill and also with finances and staffing. There were layoffs and retirements as well, Gulley said.

Nursing homes, like all healthcare facilities, have since had trouble finding enough workers.

Staffing is down about 25% at the 12 nursing homes where workers are striking, Gulley said.

The workers' contracts expired six months ago. The SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa and UFCW Local 663, which represent the workers, are asking for a minimum wage of $25 an hour and better staffing.

The nursing home workers walked off work for one day, but the janitors will continue picketing.

More than 500 workers and supporters joined forces for a rally Tuesday afternoon on the steps of the State Capitol, holding signs that read "si se puede" (meaning "if possible"), "safe staffing" and "no contract no peace."

Nessa Higgins, who has worked as a certified nursing assistant for 25 years, told the crowd it's hard working a double shift for $21.50 an hour, and doing it all again the next morning.

Right now, Higgins said, "there aren't enough of us to provide the care that your parents and grandparents need."

About 100 workers and supporters were picketing by the Estates of St. Louis Park by 8:30 a.m., a number that doubled by a 10:30 a.m. rally there. SEIU members from as far as Kansas and Seattle were among the crowd.

So was Russell Macauley, a registered nurse at the Villas at the Park in St. Louis Park, a rehabilitation facility owned by Monarch Healthcare Management. He said he regularly logs 20 to 24 hours of overtime over a two-week pay period while taking care of more patients than laid out in Minnesota regulations. He said newer hires are making more competitive pay than his $40 an hour, and the facility also contracts with outside agencies, paying those nurses more.

He wants an equitable amount, hopefully $45 an hour, and more protections for staff and patients.

"Our nursing home members deserve more," said Rena Wong, president of UFCW 663. "They provide the care that all of our family members need."

More than 17% of nursing assistant positions were vacant in mid-2022, according to the most recent Minnesota job vacancy data, though that includes some positions at clinics and hospitals as well as nursing homes. SEIU represents nursing assistants, nurses and workers in food service and housekeeping in 31 nursing homes across Minnesota.

The unions are also seeking a better retirement plan and affordable health care insurance.

Jasmina Malcinovic has worked as a cook at Excelsior Estates for 29 years and makes $23 an hour. She is hoping a new contract would bring her at least $25 an hour and provide better insurance. Currently, she pays $900 a month for the company's health insurance plan for her spouse and two of her three kids.

Marc Halpert, CEO of Eagan-based Monarch Healthcare Management, said the company is trying to negotiate better wages for its workers.

Halpert and Noel Lovas, executive director of Providence Place in Minneapolis, whose workers are also on strike, said patient care was not affected by the strike on Tuesday.

"We are fully staffed," Halpert said. Monarch manages 30 senior facilities in Minnesota.

Nicole Marlin said she makes $30 an hour after 17 years as a licensed practical nurse, most recently at the Villas. She said the rehab facility only accounts for the number of patients, not the severity of their conditions, when deciding staffing levels.

She said workers constantly have to scramble to cover needs on floors because of last-minute staffing changes.

Vandarel Johnson, who has worked for 10 years in housekeeping and as a floor tech, has not seen a wage increase in about four years. He joined the rally in St. Paul.

He said he attended not only for himself, "but for all of us who want better for the residents, who want better things for themselves and their families. To see the strength and the power makes me happy."

Also on Tuesday, about 400 Minneapolis Public Works employees represented by LIUNA Local 363 voted to accept a new labor contract with a 30% pay raise over the next three years, said AJ Lange, business manager of the unit. They had authorized a strike.

St. Paul educators also settled their contract dispute Tuesday, avoiding a strike next week.

Includes reporting by staff writer Burl Gilyard.

©2024 StarTribune. Visit startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.