The job action will involve more than 1,500 registered nurses, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, lab techs, physicians assistants, nurse midwives, and other caregivers at 29 metro area HealthPartners clinics.

The notice by the members of the SEIU Healthcare Minnesota negotiating team calls for a two-day strike on Wednesday, Feb. 13, and Thursday, Feb. 14, unless an agreement is reached.

The collective bargaining agreement between SEIU Healthcare Minnesota members and HealthPartners expires at 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

"It really hurts me that HealthPartners has made us take our stand for safe staffing and quality patient care to this level. But we will not back down from this fight for our patients," said Kate Lynch, a Licensed Practical Nurse at HealthPartners Arden Hills Clinic.

"HealthPartners should be leading the charge for improved collaboration with frontline caregivers, not blocking it," said Jean Pfarr, a Registered Nurse at HealthPartners Specialty Center in St. Paul & HealthPartners Como Clinic also in St. Paul.

"If patient satisfaction and safety are HealthPartners\' core purposes, it\'s time for the voice of caregivers to be heard," continued Pfarr.

For more information
See the union\'s website, www.seiuhealthcaremn.org