On May 3, a tentative agreement was reached on a contract for 4,400 registered nurses at Abbott Northwestern Hospital/Phillips Eye Institute, United Hospital, and Mercy Hospital, the MNA announced.

The tentative agreement includes across-the-board wage increases of 4 percent in the first year, 4 percent in the second and 3 percent in the third year, and a 25-year salary step was added in the third year.

The agreement also includes language to protect the integrity of the bargaining unit: "The Minnesota Nurses Association will be the sole representative of all registered professional staff nurses and assistant head nurses employed in the hospital. The hospital
agrees to not challenge the supervisory/managerial status of any bargaining unit member during the term of this agreement and until a successor agreement is negotiated."

This language addresses concerns raised by the National Labor Relations Board\'s "Kentucky River" decision that could define many workers as supervisors.

No changes were made to benefits, the union said. The MNA said it will release more details to members Wednesday via its website, www.mnnurses.org  and through information distributed at each facility. Meetings are scheduled May 10-15 to brief members on the agreement before a vote is taken.

The negotiating committee unanimously recommends the agreement, the MNA said.

Meanwhile, talks continue with Children\'s Hospitals & Clinics, Fairview Riverside, Fairview Southdale, HealthEast Care System, Methodist Hospital and North Memorial Health Care.

Altogether, the hospital contracts cover 10,750 registered nurses. Negotiations began in February. The MNA has set a May 14 deadline for reaching settlements with the hospitals or taking a strike vote.

For more information
Visit the Minnesota Nurses Association website, www.mnnurses.org