On Tuesday, the rally took place outside the North Shore Estate nursing home in Spirit Valley.
With the support of other members, the three licensed practical nurses (LPNs) at North Shore Estate began a 24-hour unfair labor practice strike in the fight to be included in the same SEIU Healthcare MN and IA Union contracts as their colleagues.
It is the only three LPNs that work at North Shore Estates and is owned by Monarch Healthcare Management.
“Our older people are worth far more than they get now,” says Tricia Pattison.
The 24-hour strike will end at 7am on May 14th.
Monarch Healthcare Management Chief Operation Office Paxton Wiffler has issued a statement on the strike.
“We continue to cherish our employees and commit ourselves to reaching a fair agreement. We met with SEIU seven times in the course of the negotiations. Unfortunately, the union canceled or rescheduled eight negotiations, including no-shows, without notice on April 22, 2025.
We continue to negotiate in good faith, but SEIU's current requirements are not reasonable or sustainable. We have consistently supported funding to strengthen our workforce and ensure quality care for our residents.
In particular, they are concerned about cutting over $700 million from the long-term care sector with the current budget proposal for the Minnesota Legislature. These cuts affect the serious care of older adults and undermine progress towards staff solutions.
We urge lawmakers to be prepared to reconsider these catastrophic cuts and work towards solutions that support both staff and residents. ”
Related stories: Duluth
