MNA nurses at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids lined the hallways to speak out against Allina Health’s benchmarking measures that aim to cut staffing levels.
Minnesota Nursing Accent
Minnesota Nurses Association
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WINTER 2025
PUBLISHER
Elaina Hane, RN
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chris Rubesch, RN, President
Melisa Koll, RN, 1st Vice President
Open Seat, 2nd Vice President
Becky Nelson, RN, Secretary
Jill Lebrun, RN, Treasurer
Directors
Tamra Andersen, RN
Jeremy Olson-Ehlert, RN
Kevin Hawn, RN
Brittany Livaccari, RN
Meghan Matteson, RN
Sydney Pederson, RN
Kristy Ricks, RN
Michelle Sorensen, RN
Venessa Soldo-Jones, RN
Jayme Wicklund, RN
Bernadine Engeldorf, RN
Daniel Clute, RN
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HOW DO WE PERSEVERE?
A few years ago, I was able to travel to Great Basin National Park in central Nevada, home of the Bristlecone Pine tree. These trees are among the oldest living things on earth-some over 5000 years old. They grow in incredibly harsh climates where few other things grow: at altitudes above 10,000 feet in rocky soil, with a growing season of only a few months, high winds, and hardly any water. Yet, they persevere through all this for thousands of years, growing in small groves on the sides of mountains. It’s inspiring to see how they adapt, adjust to the conditions, and keep growing.
Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about the Bristlecone Pine tree and its perseverance in relation to our union. As 2025 comes to a close, it’s a good time to assess and reflect on our work. This year, members from the Twin Cities, Duluth, Two harbors, Virginia, Moose Lake, Owatonna, Lake City, and more engaged in negotiations campaigns. Many of these bargaining units ratified their contracts after holding the line and defending their contractual benefits throughout negotiations. Bargaining units at Allina Health Cancer Institute, Essentia Health clinics, Essentia Miller Hill Surgery Center, and Essentia Solvay Hospice House negotiated first contracts, establishing a baseline to grow in the years to come.
At the legislature, MNA and a coalition of other unions defended Minnesota’ Paid Family Leave and Earned Sick and Safe Time laws from efforts to roll back or end the programs. We helped defeat a proposed merger between Essentia Health, Fairview, and
U of M Health that would have created a healthcare behemoth with monopoly power in some parts of Minnesota. Internally, MNA expanded its membership by nearly 500 members—the second straight year of 20+ percent growth.
All of this happened despite headwinds like challenging economic conditions, the increasing power of corporate healthcare systems, a non-functional National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and an increasingly anti-union judicial system.
As we plan for the year ahead, the challenges we will face won’t be any less formidable. We will need to continue holding the line against corporate consolidations, standing up to challenges to our right to organize and participate in our union, and fighting any attempts to roll back recent pro-worker wins at the legislature.
With these challenges, it is more important than ever for each of us to get involved. To talk to our coworkers about what’s happening in our states, in our communities, at our hospitals, or on our units. Grow your connections and our organizational strength so that we can weather the storm together.
Though we will face challenges in 2026, I hope we can emulate the steadfast Bristlecone pine trees and become a close-knit, strong, and durable network of members ready to grow and thrive for another century. We can do this together.
Chris Rubesch, RN, MNA President
President’s Column
Executive
Director’s Column
THE WORK OF OUR UNION
MNA members are the core of our union. Without our members, our union would not exist. Every day, each member does the work of our union—we uphold our contracts, we talk to one another about workplace issues, we attend events and meetings, we stay educated, and we advocate—for our patients, our profession, and our union.
Each year, we dig deeper on the work of our union when we talk about MNA’s annual and five-year strategic goals. Who sets MNA’s goals, you may ask? You guessed it—the members do. Members and member-elected leaders set the direction, and staff build the plans that carry those goals forward. This structure ensures that decision-making power stays where it belongs—with the nurses.
The MNA Board of Directors met on October 15th along with the elected NNU leadership, and the chairs of both MNA’s Commission on Governmental Affairs and MNA’s Commission on Nursing Practice & Education to develop the strategic goals for 2026. The Board of Directors and commission leaders are elected leaders from bargaining units across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, and remain actively involved in our union to ensure they have a pulse on the broader membership. Their involvement, alongside GAC, NP&E, and NNU leadership, brings critical insight from legislative work, nursing practice, and national labor trends—ensuring the goals reflect the
current realities at the bedside and across the labor movement.
This year, the Board intentionally limited the organization to three goals to keep our work focused. By narrowing the scope, member leaders prioritized depth over breadth, ensuring meaningful progress on the issues that matter most.
During the strategy meeting, MNA’s member leaders zeroed in on these three organizational goals to focus our work:
1. Evaluate and implement alternative financial structures within the organization—to strengthen our union; we must boost revenue for the organization’s strike fund and grow more political influence. This work ensures MNA has the long-term stability and resources needed to support members in contract fights, organizing efforts, and legislative advocacy.
2. Achieve nurse staffing ratios in Minnesota—while the Board recognizes that this goal won’t be achieved in our current political climate, this goal prioritizes pushing legislators on safe staffing and educating both members and the public on how and why ratios promote safer working conditions, more sustainable careers, and patient safety. A major focus of this goal is education—building the public and member understanding necessary to shift the political landscape over time.
3. Develop and implement proactive strategies to strengthen internal organizing efforts around external forces—as Labor is facing threats from all
sides, we must take proactive steps to resist the drastic and dangerous changes affecting the labor movement and healthcare. These external pressures include corporate consolidation, anti-union legislation, and policy decisions that undermine direct care. Strengthening internal organizing prepares us to meet these challenges head-on.
After the MNA member leaders set the goals for the year, then it’s time for the staff to be brought into the conversation. Our staff work with members to help move the work of our union forward. Staff have conversations with members, bargain contracts with members, organize new members, and provide members with the education and resources needed to further our union and our profession.
Based on the goals set forth by the member leaders, staff work together to propose ways in which they can implement the goals. Staff Directors meet with their departments to establish quarterly work plans with local goals that, when combined at the end of the year, meet the Board’s overall goals. Quarterly plans break the year’s work into focused, measurable steps, ensuring departments stay aligned and accountable as we work toward the member-defined goals.
With the Board’s goals and the staff’s recommendations, the final plan is then presented to the Board of Directors for their discussion and
News & Updates
MNA NURSE NEWS
Nurses Condemn Allina Health’s Decision to Close Faribault Birth Center
MNA nurses are outraged and frustrated by Allina Health’s decision to permanently close the Faribault Birth Center on December 1, 2025. This abrupt move will deprive patients and families across Southern Minnesota of critical, local access to maternity care. Allina’s decision to close the birth center in Faribault so it can open a new one at Owatonna Hospital is yet again another example of corporate health systems putting profits and consolidation over patients.
Four
Nurses in
Two Weeks
Assaulted at Essentia Hospitals: Nurses Say Violence is a Consequence of Unsafe Staffing and Inaction
MNA nurses are once again outraged and deeply concerned after two more violent assaults on nurses at Essentia Health. A nurse at Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd was attacked by a patient last Thursday, followed by another assault at the same facility over the weekend. The latest incidents come less than two weeks after two nurses were injured at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Four nurses assaulted in under two weeks reflects a dangerous pattern in Essentia facilities— one that nurses have been warning about for years.
Unity Inpatient Chemical Dependency Unit Closure Threatens Patient Safety, Say Nurses
Allina Health’s plan to shut down the inpatient chemical dependency unit at Mercy Hospital–Unity Campus in February 2026 has sparked outrage from nurses, patients, and community advocates, who warn the closure will devastate access to lifesaving addiction care in the north metro.
Read more nurse news at mnnurses. org/news/press-releases or scan the QR code.
MNA NEW STAFF & STAFF TRANSITIONS
Diamond Palmer, Public Relations Specialist. Diamond comes to MNA after working eight years as a journalist, most recently at the NBC affiliate KSDK in St. Louis. Prior to that, she worked at outlets in Kentucky and Illinois. Diamond is an Edward R. Murrow Award winner and Emmy-nominated reporter.
Anjila Gaudett, Labor Relations Specialist. Anjila joins MNA with a strong background in organizing, spending many years of her career working for the Teamsters and UNITE HERE.
Christine Lukudu, Temporary Membership Assistant. Christine joins MNA with many years of experience in the business environment and holds a Master of Business Administration.
Liz Hanf, Membership Assistant. Liz is transitioning from Labor Administrative Assistant to a Membership Assistant position.
Bryan LoBrutto, Political Organizer. Bryan comes to MNA after working for AFSCME International in Arizona as a Political and Legislative Apprentice.
Phillip Bailey, Labor Relations Specialist Phillip joins MNA with many years of experience in both internal and external organizing. Most recently, he worked as a Staff Representative at AFSCME Council 8 in Toledo, OH.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Board of Directors
Wednesday, January 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Commission on Governmental Affairs (GAC)
Wednesday, January 14, 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 1-4 p.m.
Commission on Nursing Practice and Education
Wed., January 28, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wed., February 25, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. CARn
Wed., January 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Wed., February 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Racial Diversity Committee
General Membership Meetings (Third Monday of each month) Monday, January 19, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday, February 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Racial Diversity Committee
General Membership All MNA Meetings Monthly, Time/Day TBA
MNA Foundation (MNAF) Wednesday, January 28, 9-11 a.m.
Bargaining and Collective Action Updates
NEW CONTRACT AGREEMENTS
AHCI Nurses Win First Contract
In mid-October, Allina Health Cancer Institute (AHCI) nurses achieved their first union contract after 17 months of bargaining. Highlights of the contract include 100% wage parity with Abbott Northwestern; a 2550% differential increase; protections around mandatory floating; access language; breakage language; improved weekend rotation cadence; and more.
Nurses in New Ulm Settle Wage-Only Agreement
Nurses at New Ulm Medical Center opted for a wage-only negotiation in October and won 10% wage increases over three years, following the suit of the Twin Cities metro agreement. Nurses ratified the new agreement on November 11.
Welia Nurses Win Contract Agreement
In late September, nurses at Welia Health in Mora, Minnesota ratified a new contract agreement. Nurses achieved a critical need bonus of $20/ hour, Extra Fridays time and a half after 3 p.m., 401K language, an adhoc group in staffing and scheduling for non-block scheduling balances, annual wage increases of 3%/4%/3% and more.
Pipestone Nurses Ratify Contract
At the end of August, nurses at Pipestone reached a new three-year contract agreement, achieving many wins and fighting off all concessions. Wins included increases to BSN, Charge, and On-Call Pay as well as the HSA contribution. Nurses also achieved an extension of the extra shift bonus Letter of Understanding and improved Successors and Assigns language. Wage increases landed at a three percent increase for each of the three years of the contract, and with retroactivity to February 26, 2025.
First contracts won for Essentia clinics, Surgery Center and Hospice House
In late August, nurses at Essentia Health’s 1st Street, 2nd Street, 3rd Street and Superior Street Clinics ratified their first union contracts after organizing and electing to join MNA in 2024. Nurses at the clinics won wage increases of 10.75% over the three-year contract, with retroactivity to April 1, 2024. Members also won Baccalaureate Pay, Certification Pay, Lead Pay and fought off mandatory cross-facility floating—making it entirely voluntary for all nurses outside of Outreach and Urgent Care. While the clinic nurses didn’t win on every issue, they won impactful language and are looking forward to continuing to improve their new contract in future negotiation cycles.
At the end of October, Miller Hill Surgery Center nurses in Duluth ratified their first union contract as well.
They achieved 3.75% over the first year of the contract with full retroactivity to April 1, 2025. They also won Baccalaureate Pay, Certification Pay, an MTO Cap, and voluntary cross facility floating. These nurses will head back to the negotiations table in the new year, as they were only able to reach agreement on a one-year contract with Essentia.
In early November, Essentia’s Solvay Hospice House workers ratified their first union contract with a wage increase of 9.5% over the life of the three-year contract. These workers also won Baccalaureate Pay, Certification Pay, an MTO Cap, and Lead Pay. Similar to the nurses at the Surgery Center, Solvay workers also achieved language that made cross-facility floating entirely voluntary for all employees.
HHS nurses settle wage opener
In late July, nurses at Hennepin Health System reached a 2025 wage opener agreement for a 3% wage increase across the board, matching the yearly wage increase won during the 2025
COLLECTIVE ACTIONS & EVENTS
On Thursday, September 25, MNA nurses from Unity Hospital testified at a hearing about Allina’s planned closure of their Chemical Dependency Unit. Nurses spoke about the harm that this closure will cause to patients, Unity nurses speak out against Allina’s closure of Chemical Dependency Unit
families and community members and called out Allina for putting corporate profits ahead of patient-centered care.
Mercy Nurses Take Action for Safe Staffing
Nurses at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids showed their solidarity on Tuesday, October 21, as various units met with management regarding Allina’s new round of benchmarking. Nurses recently received the news that Allina sought to reduce the number of nurses on the units with no plans to reduce the workload. During the action, nurses raised concerns about increased risk of patient falls and hospital acquired illnesses, burnout and moral injury, and nurse retention.
Aitkin Nurses Fight for a Fair Contract
In October, nurses at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin, MN came together to stand up for a contract that protects the benefits they’ve earned and the care the community deserves. Nurses wore their MNA red and held up signs at negotiations to demonstrate their commitment to their community, to compassion, and to quality patient care.
Allina Health nurses across facilities in the Twin Cities metro area stood in solidarity to tell Allina leadership that patient care should be their top priority. As Allina conducts “benchmarking,” nurses have a message: healthcare isn’t about measuring productivity— it’s about caring for people. Nurses all wore stickers expressing NO STAFFING CUTS.
MNA Members Picket in Solidarity at Doctor’s Council Strike
On November 5, members of the Allina Doctor’s Council went out on a historic one-day strike across multiple facilities in the Twin Cities metro. MNA members joined the picket lines in solidarity with their provider colleagues who are fighting for a fair union contract.
Healthcare Workers Rally at Annandale
at Annandale Community Behavioral Health Hospital (CBHH) joined their AFSCME colleagues for a rally on November 6. Workers rallied to speak out about unsafe staffing levels and workplace violence that is plaguing their hospital.
Allina nurses take part in sticker action
MNA nurses
2025 MNA CONVENTION RECAP
The 2025 MNA Convention was held October 4-7 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) in Duluth, Minnesota, where delegates gathered to discuss and debate the future of their union.
Opening Ceremonies began with a speech by President Chris Rubesch, RN. Following his speech, President Rubesch introduced MNA Executive Director Elaina Hane, RN and the President of the Minnesota AFLCIO Bernie Bernham as guest speakers. A video greeting by Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan was also presented to delegates during the Opening Ceremonies.
The final speaker of the day was our 2025 Keynote Speaker Nancy Norton. Nancy presented on The Power of Humor, drawing material from everyday life experiences. As a former nurse herself, Nancy connected with the audience on a more personal level, incorporating nursing humor into her performance.
After the Keynote, delegates heard about the State of the Union from the MNA Board of Directors. The Board shared successes and goals for the various areas of the union, including External Organizing, Internal Organizing, Education, Financial, and Political work. They additionally shared an update on MNA’s work in
conjunction with National Nurses United (NNU).
Throughout the four days of Convention, delegates attended education sessions where they could earn credits and bylaws forums where they asked questions about each piece of business that would be brought to the House of Delegates floor.
On Sunday, delegates had two important forums to attend, the Education & Practice Update and the Legislative Forum.
The Education & Practice Update was all about MNA’s new Assignment Despite Objection (ADO) form, which is replacing the Concern for Safe Staffing (CFSS) form. The new ADO form launched on October 4 and should be used by all MNA nurse members. For more information about the form or to access the form, visit mnnurses.org/ADO or check the MNA website for upcoming educations on how to use the ADO form.
The Legislative Forum presentation was put on by MNA’s Commission on Governmental Affairs (GAC) and by MNA’s staff lobbyists and political organizers. The forum covered the work that MNA members accomplished this past legislative session, the current state of politics in Minnesota and the United States, and a look forward to the 2026 Legislative Session.
On Monday morning, it was time for delegates to get down to business! Delegates discussed and debated
proposed Bylaws Amendments and Main Motions over the course of Monday and Tuesday. The body also took up a few emergency pieces of business on Tuesday after the main business was dispensed with. A summary of the House of Delegates’ Actions is included on the following page.
MNA members also had the opportunity to socialize and network throughout the Convention. On Monday evening, members attended a game night social at Hoops Brewing in Duluth, where they had pizza, played games, chatted and more.
Throughout the convention, attendees could participate in the Silent Auction benefiting the MNA Disaster Relief fund. This year, we raised over $6,000 with over 100 donated items.
Summary of House of Delegates Actions
Please refer to the unapproved 2025 MNA HOD Minutes for specific details regarding each business item, which can be found on the Convention/HOD page of the Member Center.
Bylaws Amendment A1 Adopted Art III Sect 2A Dues Categories (Executive Comm)
Bylaws Amendment A2 Adopted Art III Sect 2 (New) D Dues Categories (R.Heintz et al)
Bylaws Amendment A3
Adopted as Amended Art IV Sect 4 C Terms of Office (J.Olson-Ehlert, R.Andersen)
Bylaws Amendment A4 Adopted Art IV Sect 2&5 Elections Challenge (Elections Comm)
Bylaws Amendment A5 Failed Art V Sect 6E House of Delegates Meetings (K.Nelson, E.Best)
Bylaws Amendment A6 Adopted Art VI Sect 4V Responsibilities (BOD)
Bylaws Amendment A7 Adopted as Amended Art VII Internal Conflict Resolution Committee (ICRC) Proviso M1: HOD Policy Charges and Conflict Resolution (ICRC)
Bylaws Amendment A8 Adopted Art VIII Sect 6A GAC (Elections Comm)
Bylaws Amendment A9 Adopted as Amended IX Sect 5 Bylaws Committee (K.Nelson, E.Best) Proviso M2: BOD Policy Submitting Res & Main Motions (K.Nelson, Best)
Main Motion M3 Adopted Legislative Platform (GAC)
Main Motion M4 Adopted as Amended HOD Policy Challenging an MNA Election (Elections Comm)
Main Motion M5
Adopted as Amended Task Force Creation-Nomination Committee (Elections Comm)
Emergency Bylaws Amendment EA1 Failed Implementation of A2 New Dues Category (S.Fuentes)
NEW Emergency Resolution ER1
Vote to Consider Failed Authority of the Board of Directors in Employee Discipline (S.Rosier)
Emergency Resolution ER2
Vote to Consider Failed Vote of No Confidence in Executive Director (J.Armbrust)
2025 MNA HONORS & AWARDS
Each year we recognize our fellow nurses and friends in their accomplishments with our annual MNA Honors & Awards. The 2025 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: Senator Jen McEwen and Representative Pete Johnson
The Public Official Award honors a local or state public official(s) 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: Posthumously awarded to Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman
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: Wayne Garrett
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.
Elizabeth Shogren Health & Safety Award: Heather Jax
The Elizabeth Shogren Health & Safety Award honors the member(s) who have made sustained and substantial contributions to the health, safety, and well-being of the nursing community in which they work.
Mentorship in Nursing Award: Sydney Fuentes
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 and union, helping nurses reach their full potential.
Ruth L. Hass Excellence in Practice Award: Bryan Smith
The Ruth L. Hass Excellence in Practice Award goes to nurse(s) 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.
Audrey Logsdon/Geraldine Wedel Award: Sara Wahto
The Audrey Logsdon/Geraldine Wedel Award honors the member(s) who have contributed significantly to healthcare workers and/ or healthcare practice through collective bargaining activities.
Nurse Educator Award: Jeanne Thompson
The Nurse Educator Award honors the nurse educator who has demonstrated expertise in teaching nursing and is recognized by peers as a role model of sustained, consistent, high-quality teaching.
Nurse Researcher Award: Niki Gjere
The Nurse Researcher Award honors the nurse(s) who made a significant impact on nursing practice through the use of research, by contributing to nursing knowledge through research findings and improving or creating a plan for improving clinical nursing practice, patient outcomes, or the working and/or teaching environment for nurses.
Lil Ortendahl Community Action Award: Jean Ross
The Lil Ortendahl Community Action Award honors the member who displays sustained and substantial contributions to the health and well-being of the community within which they live and/or work.
Creative Nursing Award: Michael Scribner
O’Pray & Lex Martin
The Creative Healthcare Award honors the members who recognized a specific healthcare need and developed a new and/or creative approach that improves the quality of healthcare for an identified population.
Diversity in Healthcare Award: Reva Jones-Simmons
The Diversity in Healthcare Award honors a healthcare worker(s) who advocates for promoting diversity and dismantling disparities within MNA, the community, or healthcare with demonstrated substantial impact toward the inclusion, retention, and advancement of underrepresented groups in healthcare professions.
MNA President’s Award: Sara McCumber & posthumously awarded to Linda Hamilton
The President’s Award honors member(s) who have made sustained and substantial contributions to MNA through active participation in organizational activities.
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 Foundation (MNAF) Scholarships
The 2025 MNA Honors and Awards Ceremony and Banquet was held Sunday evening of the MNA Convention, where the winners of the MNA Foundation’s 2025 scholarships were announced. This year, the Foundation awarded $169,000 in scholarships. Please visit mnnurses.org/mnaf for more information and spread the word about the scholarship to members.
A list of scholarship recipients are as follows:
Recipients of the Mary Eliza Mahoney Scholarship:
Camille Fong
Lenka Wells
Recipients of the Associate Member Scholarship:
Faisa Ahmed
Eugene Sabaitis
Recipients of the Cynthia HuntLines Scholarship:
Kallie Dainty
Bethany Halloran
Jillian Pince
Daniel Pryor
Recipient of the Janky Foundation Scholarship:
Michaela Feist
Recipient of the Rose Dhein Scholarship:
Kelsey Peterson
Recipient of the Sarah Colvin Scholarship:
Othman Mohamed
Recipients of the MNAF Baccalaureate Scholarship:
Renas Amedy
Vincent de Ruiter
McKenna Edstrom
Bailee Matzek
Sharon Oichoe
Recipients of the MNAF Graduate Degree Scholarship:
Beth Baber
Kayleen Bean
Sheilah Bosompem
Sumaya Dahir
Taiwo Fapohunda
Jillian Hammerly
Amber Hanes-Stone
Jose Mario Lopez
Sadie Olson
Itunu Olukoga
Steven Pfarr
Jessaca Pieper
Daniel Rabura
Rosalina Reinharz
Priyanka Roy
Melissa Sams
Hailey Scheffknecht
Heather Stewart
Shelby Widerhoeft
Recipients of the Legacy Scholarship for children, grandchildren, or dependents of MNA Members:
Brennan Berget
Nicole Bowlin
Olivia Burns
Erin Ethanne Eunice Cochico
Lauren Collins
Isabella de Ruiter
Ava Gross
Katelyn Hamski
Katelyn Johnson
Taylor Johnson
Ronnie Livaccari
Aimee Nelson
Siena Okemwa
Gabrielle Olson
Rachael Omoke
Silvia Omoke
Natalie Roehl
Madeline Schaefer
Alaina Scott
Alexander Scott
Mason Sundquist
Hattie Tschida
Ava Turner
Finnegan Turner
Caden Van Briesen
Harper Westgaard
ED’s Column from page 4
approval. This final step reinforces member leadership at every level— members set the goals, and member-elected leaders approve the strategy that carries them out. This year’s strategic plan was approved at the December Board of Director’s meeting. With the plan set, we’re all ready to get to work—and it’s going to take ALL of us to reach these goals in 2026. I look forward to working with all of our members and our staff to implement these goals so that we can strengthen our union in 2026 and beyond.
Elaina Hane, RN, MNA Executive Director
Protect Your Patients’ Rights During Immigration Actions
Hospitals are places of healing, where all people should be able to receive care, without fear. We want to ensure nurses and patients know their rights and have access to resources if Immigration Enforcement officers show up to our hospitals. Visit mnnurses.org/immigration for Immigration Resources.
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION
NURSES JOIN FAIR SHARE AMERICA’S VISITS WITH CONGRESSPERSONS
By Deb Meyer, RN, GAC Commissioner
On July 1, 2025, Cathy Buxengard and I, both GAC Commissioners, traveled to Rochester, MN to speak in strong opposition to the Big Beautiful Bill. Rochester is in Congressional District 1 (CD1) which is represented by Brad Finstead who is known for his conservative views, opposition to nursing issues, and his unavailability to his constituents.
This event was part of Fair Share America’s trip across the United States. Started in California, Rochester was the first Minnesota stop. It was an awesome experience to speak as the only nurse there and rep-
resenting MNA. They told us how glad they were to see nurses there! We had a great sign from NNU which we made available for all to see. There were a few other speakers including other legislators from Rochester. The large, enthusiastic crowd and media presence was powerful.
I spoke about the cuts to Medicare, and especially Medicaid, affecting my rural area of SW Minnesota. The elderly, those with disabilities, and especially the people who do not have licenses to drive due to their immigration status would not be able to access healthcare. The fear of leaving town
with this Administration is huge.
I ended my talk with a personal story about a young mother with disabled children, one on a ventilator. They HAVE to have Medicaid to survive! When the event was over we all had our picture taken by the bus and signed their bus with our names, where we live and our message.
It was an honor to represent MNA and to hear “the nurses are here”.
2026 MNA Union-Wide Elections
Running for MNA leadership—an experience you won’t regret!
By the MNA Elections Committee
MNA is YOU, and me and the thousands of other nurses across our region in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and North Dakota . Our UNION is governed by the members elected in our UNION-wide elections who determine the course to guide the staff in the day to day. Each of us has a role in determining the strength of our union by choosing to vote for, or even run for, our Board of Directors and Commissions.
Have you thought about running for a leadership position at MNA? There are so many benefits – it gives you a chance to shape policies and positions for union, healthcare, social justice and political issues. Serving in a union leadership position will make your voice even more prominent and help sharpen your interpersonal and communication skills.
TOGETHER, we are MNA, a union – for nurses, made up of nurses, and led by nurses! You will connect with nurses from across our union and build relationships that empower us all.
THE VALUE YOU PROVIDE AS A LEADER
Do you feel passionate about shaping our future and setting the direction we are taking, establishing yearly goals, setting legislative priorities? Then run for a leadership position! Elected leaders determine how our hard-earned resources are spent and who we endorse for political offices. By serving in one of these leadership roles, your voice will be heard even more in these important decisions.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE (AND LEAD)
We hope you will consider serving in an MNA union-wide leadership position on one of the following bodies. (see page 16 for more information and the call for candidate form):
• Board of Directors
• Commission on Governmental Affairs
• Commission on Nursing Practice and Education
• Commission on Racial Diversity, Equity and Anti-Oppression
• Committee on Elections
• Internal Conflict Resolution Committee
• Council of Active Retired Nurses (CARn) Leadership
• MN AFL-CIO Delegate
BENEFITS OF RUNNING
You will gain valuable insight and skills that can benefit you in your work and personal relationships. Running for a union leadership position will give you a close-up view of how the union works and insight into what can be done to make it better.
Running for office can certainly be challenging, but the rewards are more than worth it. As a leader, you help ensure nurses, now and in the future, have the lives and livelihoods we deserve. If you’re not quite ready to serve on the unionwide level, consider serving in a bargaining unit leadership position such as Chair, Steward, or Contract Action Team (CAT).
Remember, YOU are the union!
2026 MNA Unionwide Elections Timeline
Call for Candidates (Nomination Notice) will be posted to the Member Center, including all information required by both the Department of Labor (DOL) and MNA Bylaws.
Deadline to submit Call for Candidate (Nomination) forms.
The Committee on Elections 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.
Ballots sent out electronically for members who have provided MNA with an email address and via U.S. Postal Service First Class to allow for the election to take place in September per MNA Bylaws.
Deadline for ballots to be received.
All candidates will be notified as soon as official election results are certified. Once candidates have been notified, the election results will be posted for the membership on the MNA Member Center.
Newly elected take office. FEBRUARY
2026 MNA Union-Wide Elections - Call for Candidates
In August 2026, you will be asked to vote for the leaders of your union, the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA). This Call for Candidates form is your opportunity to submit your name to be placed on the ballot. You are strongly encouraged to consider running for a leadership position and become involved in making a difference in the future of your organization. Applications are accepted beginning February 15, 2026.
Absolute Deadline: 11:59 p.m., April 15, 2026.
What positions are being voted on?
• MNA Board of Directors
• Internal Conflict Resolution Committee
• Commission on Nursing Practice & Education
• Non-Collective Bargaining Delegates - MNA HOD
• Commission on Governmental Affairs
• Delegates to the Minnesota AFL-CIO
• Commission on Racial Diversity, Equity & Anti-Oppression
• Leadership Committee
• Council of Active Retired Nurses
• Committee on Elections
What are the duties and responsibilities of each office?
A brief description can be found on the next page. Complete information and responsibilities for each elected position is available on the Member Center > MNA Elections > Position Descriptions.
What is the term of office? January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2029
Are there term limits? Per the MNA Bylaws:
• An officer or director who has served two consecutive threeyear terms in a specific office shall be ineligible to run for a third consecutive term in that same office however, they may be eligible to run for election for a different office. A maximum of four consecutive terms may be served on the Board.
• There will be no limit to the number of terms a Commission member may serve. However, no Commission member may be elected to more than two consecutive terms, but they shall be eligible for appointment.
• There are no term limits for Delegates, Committee on Elections, Internal Conflict Resolution Committee, or Council of Active Retired Nurses Leadership.
What position(s) can I run for?
• Collective bargaining members in good standing may run for Delegate to the MN AFL-CIO. Retired members in good standing may run for the leadership committee of the Council of Active Retired Nurses.
In addition to the two exceptions above, you may run for one of the following:
• MNA Board of Directors
• Commission on Governmental Affairs
• Commission on Nursing Practice and Education
• Commission on Racial Diversity, Equity and Anti-Oppression
• Committee on Elections
• Internal Conflict Resolution Committee
Special Note for Retirees
Elections for Collective Bargaining Delegates take place at the bargaining unit level with other local
leader elections. (MNA Collective Bargaining Delegates are apportioned by bargaining unit. Retirees are eligible to run in the collective bargaining category if they retired from collective bargaining, and they will be counted as a Delegate from the facility from which they retired.) For any other position a retiree wishes to run for (Board, Commissions, etc.), they are considered to be in the non-collective bargaining category.
How do I become a candidate?
Complete this 2026 Call for Candidates form and return it to the MNA office or go to the MNA Member Center and submit it electronically.
The absolute deadline to submit the Call for Candidates form: 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026
What happens after I submit the form?
You will receive an email confirmation from MNA that your form has been received. If you don’t receive confirmation within ten days of mailing your form, contact the office to verify receipt.
2026 MNA Union-Wide Elections - Brief Position Descriptions
(for a full list, please refer to MNA Bylaws)
MNA Board of Directors
• Consists of 17 members. Fifteen members must be RNs covered by an MNA collective bargaining agreement. One Director will be a non-RN covered by an MNA collective bargaining agreement, and one Director will be a non-collective barg/non-supervisory/non-managerial member.
• The Executive Committee consists of the: President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, & Treasurer.
• Elected members are expected to attend all Board meetings (approx 10-11 meetings/year) and are also assigned to serve as liaisons to other member groups.
• Responsible for ensuring implementation of the directives of the MNA House of Delegates (HOD).
• Establishes administrative policies governing MNA and provides for the transaction of general business.
• Adopts and administers the Association’s budget.
Commission on Governmental Affairs
• Consists of two members from each MN 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. Commission on Nursing Practice & Education
• Consists 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 Racial Diversity, Equity & Anti-Oppression
• Consists of eleven collective bargaining members and four members at-large (15 total).
• Identify ways to engage members in open and courageous conversations on racism, inequity, and privilege.
• Evaluate MNA programs and strategies for their impact on dismantling structural racism.
• Develop anti-racism training for leaders and leadership
opportunities for our racially diverse membership.
• Foster MNA’s partnership with organizations and communities of color to fight for economic and racial justice.
Committee on Elections
• Consists of five to nine members.
• Responsible for issuing the Call for Candidates form and preparing the ballot for election.
• Investigates and determines the outcome of any election challenges.
Internal Conflict Resolution Committee
• Consists of seven members (minimum of five with no less than two members from outside the four county metro area facilities and no more than one from any one facility.
• The ICRC is not the jury; they appoint the members of the jury.
• The work will be related to any complaints or disciplinary actions on members, conducted per the HOD policy Charges and Conflict Resolution.
• The ICRC has the right to remove elected unit leaders if elected leaders are violating MNA Bylaws, policies, or labor law.
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 bi-annually or more frequently as needed.
• Will work with other MNA structural units to promote and support the goals and strategic priorities of MNA.
Non-Collective Bargaining Delegate – MNA House of Delegates (HOD)
• Elected delegates are expected to attend annual and special HOD meetings.
• Responsible for reviewing and voting on proposed bylaw amendments, main motions 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 any other special meeting or orientation.
2026 MNA Union-Wide Elections - Call for Candidates
Name
2026 MNA Call for Candidates
Print name as it should appear on the official MNA ballot.
Credentials Employer name
E g : RN, BSN, APRN, RNC, PA, LPN (not union roles or job titles)
Address/City/State/Zip
Phone (check one: qCell qHome)
Non-work email address
Personal Facebook Profile (optional)
Personal Website (optional)
q I give MNA permission to share my personal Facebook link, website, and email address on the Candidate Bio form.
Membership classifications (choose one):
q Collective Bargaining
Includes anyone covered by an MNA collective
q Non-Collective Bargaining
Includes RNs not covered by an MNA collective bargaining agreement. bargaining agreement, retired RNs, and RNs in a supervisory or managerial position.
MNA members may only run for ONE of the following: MNA Board of Directors, any Commission, Committee on Elections, or the Internal Conflict Resolution Committee
Selecting more than one position listed in this box will invalidate your nomination form.
MNA Board of Directors
q President
q 1st Vice President
q 2nd Vice President
q Secretary
q Treasurer
q Director CB (10 positions)
q Director NCBNS
q Director Non-RN
Commission on Governmental Affairs (CHOOSE ONE)
q I wish to represent my residential Congressional District which is
q I wish to run for an At-Large
q Commission on Nursing Practice & Education
q Commission on Racial Diversity, Equity & Anti-Oppression
q Committee on Elections
q Internal Conflict Resolution Committee
In addition to one of the positions above, you may serve in any or all of the following positions:
q Non-Collective Bargaining Delegate – MNA House of Delegates
Collective Bargaining Delegates, including retired, are elected on the local level and apportioned by bargaining unit.
q Leadership Committee - Council of Active Retired Nurses
q Delegate – Minnesota AFL-CIO
Must be an MNA member
2026 MNA Union-Wide Elections - Candidate Bio
Activities/Offices/Appointments
List up to four activities/offices/appointments with complete titles and dates; limit one example per line; add’l examples will not be included
Dates (From/To)
List up to two other relevant activities; limit one example per line; add’l examples will not be included.
Please answer the following, limiting your responses to 300 characters or less per question. Excess characters will not be included in your Candidate Bio.
1. If appointed or elected, how would you help fulfill MNA’s mission and strategic goals / priorities? (i.e., healthcare reform, safe staffing, workers’ rights)
2. How have you or would you represent the views of the membership?
3. Is there any other information you wish to provide?
By submitting this form, I acknowledge that I am able to serve in accordance with the MNA Bylaws. I agree to serve and support MNA’s mission, strategic goals, and priorities and commit to participating in activities on behalf of MNA. Signature Date
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, 12.88% 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 12.88%. 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
1 The dues formula for public sector members and members in rightto-work states can be found in MNA’s Bylaws.
hearing. The decision of the impartial arbitrator will be final and binding.
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
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-charge-
Agency Fee Analysis Financial Summary
Source: 2024 Audited Financial Statements
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.
able 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.
Minnesota Nurses Association
Chargeable and Non-Chargeable Expenses
Schedule of Expenses and Allocation of Modified Cash Basis
Year Ended December 31, 2024
MNA Member Dues for 2026
MNA member dues will increase from $84.60 per month to $89.00 per month for 2026. 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 2026 are based on the average change in starting pay rates on December 31, 2024. MNA dues rates for non-RNs will increase from $29.44-$58.88 per month to $30.96-$61.92 per month.
Bargaining unit members with an FTE of less than 0.40 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.
Fees Effective January 1, 2026
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.
Note: Bargaining Unit members with an FTE of less than 0.40 may be eligible for reduced dues at 50% of the regular dues rate. The dues formula for public sector members and members in right-to-work states can be found in MNA’s Bylaws.
