Striking Nurses Union Still Waiting To Meet With Allina Board

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Striking Allina nurses are still waiting to hear if the health care provider's board of directors will meet with them face to face.

Union leaders made the plea Wednesday, right in the middle of the walkout's first week.

"I hope they actually want a contract with us," said union negotiator Angela Becchetti. "This should have been hammered out seven months ago. We were so close last Friday. I hope they addressed it. I hope they give us time at their next meeting to actually hear from us."

Nurses are picketing at Allina's five hospitals in the Twin Cities. The sticking point in the impasse is health care benefits.