Minnesota Health Care Workers at Chisholm Health Center Ratify New Three-Year Agreement

Nearly one month after a powerful rally to fight back against a slew of harmful concessions proposed by management, two dozen registered nurses and licensed practical nurses at Chisholm Health Center in Chisholm, Minn., ratified a new three-year agreement that makes meaningful progress for workers without any concessions. 

Caregivers, members of USW Local 9349-02, secured a 13.5 percent wage increase over the life of the agreement and won experience pay for members who had been promoted across job classifications following continued education and training. 

Jessica Koskela, an LPN of five years, attributed the victory to worker solidarity, as well as a strong showing of support from the community when caregivers rallied catty-corner to the facility on June 27.

“Our rally is what did it,” recounted Koskela. “We didn’t know what would happen because our bargaining unit is so small, and it was amazing to see the amount of support we had. When we came to an agreement, our regional director actually said that he didn’t want to see us in the parking lot again. That’s when I knew that we made a difference by standing together.” 

In addition to resisting concessions on holiday and vacation pay, Koskela is most proud of the experience pay that members will now receive based on their years of service to the company, and believes it will aid in the recruitment and retention of talented caregivers. 

“There’s always a nice sign-on bonus for new employees, but I always thought, what about us? What about the people who are already here?” remembers Koskela. “I’m glad that our new contract is changing that.”