Allina Health, Nurses At Standstill Over Health Insurance

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's been seven days since thousands of Twins Cities nurses walked off the job and went on strike.

About 4,800 nurses went on strike on Labor Day at Abbott Northwestern, The Phillips Eye Institute, Unity, United and Mercy Hospitals. They have been unable to reach a new three-year contract with Allina Health.

The main issue has been health insurance. Allina wants to switch the nurses to plans that cover other employees. The union pushed back, saying the deductibles are too high.

Allina Health released a statement today saying in part, "Allina Health's permanent employees and temporary nurses have come together to deliver the high-quality care that Allina Health is known for in each of our hospitals."

It's asking the union to return to the bargaining table so they can come to an agreement. Striking nurses say they are hearing complaints about inadequate care from inexperienced replacements.