Nurses at North Memorial Health Maple Grove Hospital vote to approve unfair labor practice strike

Hundreds of nurses at North Memorial Health's Maple Grove Hospital have voted to approve an unfair labor practice strike, their union announced Tuesday.

The Minnesota Nurses Association made the announcement at a morning news conference.

The nurses have been bargaining with the hospital for more than a year, according to the union, and have faced multiple unfair labor practices against union supporters. Nurses also said they're fighting for parity with their colleagues at North Memorial's Robbinsdale Hospital.

"The time for a contract is now," negotiator and nurse Margaret Sampson said. "We are asking hospital leaders to step up and work with us towards a fair first contract."

"We remain committed to negotiating in good faith to reach a fair agreement that supports the organization's long-term financial stability while continuing to provide safe, high-quality care for our patients and community," North Memorial Health said in a statement after the vote. "Contingency plans to continue to provide patient care during a work stoppage are in place should the nurses go on strike."

No strike is yet planned, and nurses on Tuesday said they hope to avoid one. But the vote allows them to call one "if and when we deem it necessary as contract negotiations continue," Sampson said. Nurses would be required to give 10 days' notice before striking.

Last week, North Memorial Health announced a planned merger with South Dakota-based Sanford Health, which includes plans to expand Maple Grove Hospital.

This story will be updated.