While gathering outside a West Side clinic in St. Paul on Friday, clerical workers at HealthPartners and their union representatives with the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 12 announced that they are prepared to go on strike starting May 5.
More than 1,000 Local 12 members work at HealthPartners around the metro in clerical roles including clinic assistants, administrative workers, claims staff and more, according to the union.
Issues that have recently stalled contract negotiations, according to union officials and members, include an allegedly disrespectful work environment for some, disagreements over fair wages, affordable health care benefits and more.
“HealthPartners has lost its way,” said Cesar Montufar, co-lead negotiator/union representative, outside the HealthPartners Clinic on Wabasha Street in St. Paul.
As one example, they cite that some clerical workers have been turning to food banks in the face of inflation while their current contract ended in November and negotiations recently stalled.
Union members shared other experiences and stories, including those of an increasingly hostile work environment for some. A union sign at the event urged: “End Harassment and Discrimination.” About 20 people were in attendance on Friday, including union officials, union members and current and past employees and supporters.
On Friday, as the strike date looms, Montufar said union members are open to continuing negotiations.
The Pioneer Press reached out to HealthPartners for comment; a spokesman replied in an email: “Our colleagues represented by OPEIU Local 12 work in various office and administrative positions in our organization, and they are a valuable part of our team. We remain committed to reaching a fair and financially responsible agreement with the union and hope to avoid a strike. If Local 12 representatives choose to proceed with a work stoppage, we will continue to support our patients and communicate with them directly as needed.”
Related Articles
Video shows doctor with measles treating kids. RFK Jr later praised him as an ‘extraordinary’ healer
Believers say microdosing psychedelics helps them. Scientists are trying to measure the claims
Fairview Health Services sues UnitedHealth Group subsidiary
Rural hospitals and patients are disconnected from modern care
Draft budget plan proposes deep cuts across federal health programs
Leave a Reply