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Two Harbors Today
By the People, for the People
Two Harbors Nurses Picket Aspirus Lake View Hospital Over Contract Talks
Nurses seek to maintain insurance, address wage gaps, and secure retirement benefits
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Nurses represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) held an informational picket outside Aspirus Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors, Minnesota, amid ongoing contract negotiations with Aspirus St. Luke's. The nurses are seeking to maintain their current insurance, address wage differences with nearby hospitals, and secure retirement benefits.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights the challenges healthcare workers face in negotiating fair contracts, especially in areas with limited healthcare options like northern Minnesota. Retaining experienced nursing staff is crucial for ensuring safe patient care in the region.
The details
The nurses have been in contract talks with the hospital since late September 2025. They are seeking to keep their current insurance, address wage disparities with nearby employers, and protect their retirement benefits. The Minnesota Nurses Association believes maintaining a stable workforce is key to providing safe patient care in the area.
- The nurses' contract expired on September 30, 2025.
- The informational picket took place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
The players
Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA)
The labor union representing the nurses at Aspirus Lake View Hospital.
Aspirus St. Luke's
The healthcare system that operates Aspirus Lake View Hospital and is in contract negotiations with the MNA nurses.
Jerri Swardstrom
An RN and representative of the MNA who spoke about the nurses' demands.
What’s next
The nurses' contract negotiations with Aspirus St. Luke's are still ongoing. The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the nurses to continue their informational picket outside the hospital.
The takeaway
This dispute highlights the challenges healthcare workers face in securing fair contracts, especially in areas with limited healthcare options. Retaining experienced nursing staff is crucial for ensuring safe patient care, and the outcome of these negotiations will impact the stability of the local healthcare system.
