Mental health workers at M Health Fairview reach a deal

Christopher Magan, Pioneer Press
Updated ·2 min read

Mental health workers at M Health Fairview have a tentative deal for a first union contract after a 12-hour negotiating session that ended Monday night.

The 18-month agreement includes pay increases between 6 percent and 8.75 percent, a set wage scale, more paid time off and a grievance procedure to address staffers’ concerns. Workers had planned a three-day strike starting Monday, but called it off after negotiations made progress.

The Service Employees International Union — Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa represents about 350 mental health workers at M Health Fairview and roughly 130 at Allina Health. Allina workers went forward with their plans for a three-day strike that began Monday and runs through Wednesday.

Jenny Webster, a M Health Fairview psych associate, said the tentative deal recognizes the importance of their work.

“So many people have experienced mental health issues themselves or to a loved one, especially during the pandemic,” Webster said. “Raising wages and getting a first contract will mean better care for our patients.”

Webster’s colleague, Bill Bader, noted the impact of mental health workers’ decision to unionize at the end of 2021. He said the union negotiating team unanimously recommended approving the tentative contract deal.

“Because of the solidarity of our bargaining team and all of our co-workers, including the strike in May and our recent strike vote, Fairview offered a higher single-year raise than they have in years,” said Bader.

In a statement, M Health Fairview officials said they were happy to have reached a deal with the help of a federal mediator. The tentative contract covers psych associates, senior psych associates and behavioral assistants at University of Minnesota Medical Center – West Bank.

“(W)e were able to find common ground that is equitable across the team, is sustainable for our organization and keeps the focus where it should be: on our patients,” the statement said.

Mental health workers at Allina continued their three-day strike and planned a noon rally at Allina Unity Hospital in Fridley.

They also are pushing for better wages, improved safety protections and more staff.

Earlier, an Allina spokeswoman said there was agreement on non-economic issues, but “the union continues to push for wage and benefit increases that are unrealistic and unsustainable at a time when Minnesota health systems are facing significant financial challenges.”

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