Negotiators for Fairview Health Systems and striking nurses will hold a second meeting Friday, June 22, at the request of a federal mediator, the Minnesota Nurses Association announced.

Other than the decision to meet again, no progress in ending the 17-day-old strike was reported as a result of a session called by Federal Mediator Jeanne Frank on June 18. "Your nurse negotiating team members will return to the table and bargain in good faith," MNA spokewoman Jan Rabbers said in a message to members.

The union said it remains committed to the concerns that led to the strike - adequate staffing and quality patient care.

'Other key items are protection from increases in insurance costs eating up salary increases, meaningful rewards to encourage longevity, and adequate salaries to recruit to the profession,' said Rabbers. 'Nurses believe a settlement that would be ratified would be a blend of these items.'

While talks resume, the union is pursuing unfair labor practice charges against 'most metropolitan hospitals and many temporary staffing agencies,' it announced.

'Multiple nurses have notified MNA that they have been told by the temporary agencies where they have applied for work that metropolitan hospitals will not accept striking nurses,' the union said in a statement. 'MNA believes this is discrimination against people for exercising their legally protected rights under the National Labor Relations Act.'

The union has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board office in Minneapolis. The MNA said at least 20 nurses have faced such discrimination.

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