Minnesota Health Workers Secure Major Contract, Averting Strike

Nearly 1,000 Minnesota health clerical workers avoided a planned 10-day strike after reaching a last-minute deal with HealthPartners. The two-year contract delivers meaningful wage increases (averaging 5% in the first year) and preserves affordable health insurance options for front-desk and administrative staff. Union leaders credit worker solidarity and strike readiness for forcing management to negotiate. HealthPartners, a major healthcare provider, acknowledges wanting to avoid disruptions for patients. Labor advocates see this victory as a beacon for other health-sector employees dealing with inflation, staffing shortages, and wage pressures. The result underscores how well-organized employees can achieve gains even in uncertain economic times.