Local 5131 June 2025 Union Update
Congratulations on your new contract! There are many new things and changes included that aren’t as interesting as wages, and we highly encourage you to read everything yourself. While there is a lot of information floating around, the best way to ensure you are getting correct information is to ask a rep or officer questions if you do not understand.
Unfortunately, during and following these negotiations we had a few members spreading false information. Whether this was intentional is up for debate, but it resulted in us having an investigation due to complaints from a handful of members about our professionalism and ratification vote. We were cleared from any and all accusations, but it has put a damper on our excitement for this contract. While every member is entitled to have their own opinions, unions are strongest and most effective when we operate as a united front. If you have questions or need help understanding the new language, please contact someone listed as a rep or officer with our local.
Inspira has been slow to adapt to our new contract. The new standby language allows our members to choose whether they want to be on standby or not. It is strictly voluntary. If you do choose standby, it is $4.50/hour and if you are called in you receive time and a half for all hours worked.
The new ratios are ICU 1:2, step down 1:4, and acute 1:5. Additionally, all inpatient units regardless of location or shift must have a minimum of two RNs. As with standby, we are aware of the sluggish conformity to these numbers. Please continue to fill out the short staffing forms (that have been coming in at record numbers!) because we will need them moving forward. Also, if you could keep note of any day a nurse was denied standby and canceled, and the unit ended up short, that would be helpful as well.
You were the reason we were so successful with this contract. There was a noticeable difference every time we made a unified action during negotiations. We would love to see this positive energy continue. Our contract is a legally binding document that has been signed by Inspira. Since we do not work in every department we need your help to tell us what is happening, and if Inspira is conforming to the new language. The more we know what’s going on, the more we can help!
Once again, please read over all changes in this new contract and reach out if you have questions. Until we are able to get the new contracts printed, the agreements are all listed on our local’s webpage (see below). New wages were input to begin on May 25th, with new charge nurse pay ($1.75/hr.) to begin on June 1st. Please verify your paystubs to ensure these changes have been made. We will be checking in with Inspira to see when the emails will be sent to confirm step placement, as there have been some positions added to the acknowledged job experience list.
Thank you for your support throughout these negotiations. We are nothing without our members, and you have all shown Inspira how powerful we are when we stand together. It truly was an amazing thing to watch all our nurses make a stance for their profession, and we couldn’t be more proud!
In solidarity,
5131 Local Executive Board
