If the MNA is elected, it’s likely the union will expect every nurse who was eligible to vote to pay union dues (or service fees) to remain employed at Essentia. This includes nurses who didn’t support the union, nurses who voted “no,” (against the union) and even nurses who don’t vote at all.

All bargaining unit members would then be obligated to follow all terms of a contract the MNA might negotiate for you, even terms you might not like.

Minnesota does not have a “right-to-work” law, which means the MNA would likely negotiate for an “Association Security” clause like the “Association Security” clause the MNA negotiated in the current Twin Ports contract. That clause entitles the MNA to demand Essentia terminate employment for bargaining unit members who don’t pay. Specifically, Section 8 of the Twin Ports contract states, “Any nurse who fails to pay the service fee or dues required by the Agreement shall, upon written notice of such action from the Association to the Employer, be terminated by the Employer within fourteen (14) calendar days.”