Allina Nurses Vote To Strike

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Thousands of Twin Cities nurses are preparing to go on strike on June 19.

The Minnesota Nurses Association delivered a 10-day notice of intent to strike to Allina Health executives Wednesday.

It comes two days after nurses for five Allina Health hospitals rejected a contract offer from the company.

The main disagreements are over health insurance, staffing levels and workplace safety. The strike is scheduled to last seven days.

Allina Health said in a statement Wednesday night that a strike "benefits nobody, and we believe there is still time to avoid one," and they are "prepared to negotiate in good faith and collaborate with the union on a health plan transition and other mutually-beneficial issues."

The nonprofit health care provider says if the strike does happen, its metro-area hospitals will remain open and "continue to provide excellent care."