Aspirus St. Luke's Statement on Third Day of Strike

St. Luke’s has actively engaged in all topics at the negotiations table

MNA leadership is telling its members that St. Luke’s refuses to work with them on issues regarding staffing, working conditions and wages. That is not true. We have actively engaged in these topics during 17 negotiating sessions, dating back to late April.

Staffing challenges

Every industry is facing workforce shortages, including health care. Nurses have tremendous choice in where and how they want to work, and we respect that choice. Some leave the bedside to choose lucrative travel assignments. Others choose to work as an RN in a clinical or office setting, often to have regular weekday hours.

We are doing everything we can to recruit new nurses, train the nursing workforce of the future, and retain the nurses we have. We have also added new roles and are using technology more than ever to support nurses.

Since January 2021, we have hired 163 MNA RNs and continue to hire more.

St. Luke’s RN compensation

St. Luke’s provides competitive wages that recognize our nurses for their time and talents.

• RN with 2-year degree and no experience
  • $35.63/hour*, $74,1104/year* (full time)
• RN with 2-year degree and 7 years of full-time experience
  • $46.84/hour*, $97,427/year* (full-time)
• RN who picks up an overtime shift with bonus pay on average makes $93.18/hour**

In addition, RNs who work a .6 FTE or greater receive the same health and dental insurance benefits as 1.0 FTE, plus vacation time, sick time, pension, 401K match, and long-term disability.

*This base pay rate excludes shift differential, weekend bonus, and other premium pay (OT, double time, holiday, critical need bonus, etc.)

**$45.45 average/hourly rate x 1.5x OT + $25/hour critical need bonus = $93.18/hour

The above rates are based on our most recent contract, which expired on June 30, 2022 and we continue to honor. MNA’s proposals would significantly increase these wages.

Return to work

We will welcome our nurses back to St. Luke’s as scheduled, starting at 7 am on Thursday morning. There will not be a lockout.

Negotiation update

The next negotiation date has not been set. St. Luke’s remains willing to return to the negotiations table.