Allina and union approve contract

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/05/05/daily4.html

Monday, May 5, 2008 - 11:12 AM CDT

Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal - by Carissa Wyant Staff Writer

Union workers at Allina Hospitals & Clinics have ratified a new four year contract with the nonprofit health care provider.

Under the agreement, workers at seven hospitals represented by the Service Employees International Union will receive wage increases of 3 percent per year. The deal also includes a health insurance plan that covers two free office visits at Allina's clinics and free generic prescription drugs at Allina pharmacies.

Allina also has agreed to establish a career resource center with $150,000 in employer contributions, and will establish a prepaid tuition assistance program, as it works to create a workforce development program.

Allina President and CEO Dick Pettingill said in a statement,"We're pleased to have reached this agreement and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with SEIU to achieve our common goals of providing exceptional care and being the healthcare employer of choice in our region,"

Minneapolis-based Allina employs more than 22,000 people in Minnesota and Wisconsin.