Judge Dismisses Suit Aimed to Halt Minnesota Home Health Care Union

Five months after Minnesota’s historic home health care union election, a federal judge has tossed out a lawsuit aimed at halting the unionization.

The suit, filed by attorneys with the National Right to Work Foundation represented six state health workers who provide home care services to disabled individuals and family members, according to a StarTribune report.

U.S. District Judge Michael Davis on Monday dismissed the attorneys’ lawsuit, which was filed last year in an attempt to block implementation of a state law that paved the way for the unionization of Minnesota’s 27,000 home health care workers.

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In his ruling, Davis stated that federal law and other federal court decisions do not preclude the state from negotiating a contract with a bargaining unit for home health care workers.

Previously, Davis refused to issue a temporary injunction sought by the foundation that wanted to prevent the state from negotiating a contract with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). However, the union won a representation election last summer.

According to the StarTribune, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota reached a tentative agreement two weeks ago on a first contract for 27,000 home care workers. The union said the deal will be brought to members for a ratification vote in the coming weeks. If members approve it, the pact will then go before the legislature for ratification.

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Written by Emily Study

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