HCMC workers call for outside investigation of alleged discrimination and retaliation

Union workers at HCMC are again calling on Hennepin County commissioners to intervene with management at the hospital, claiming ongoing discrimination and retaliation.

Medical assistants, physical therapists and mental health workers held a news conference Thursday in front of the Minneapolis hospital, pressing for an independent county investigation into the treatment of its workers.

In response, hospital leaders said harassment and discrimination are not tolerated and worker complaints are promptly addressed.

Attorney Sellano L. Simmons, who represents some of the employees, wrote to the County Board in May seeking an independent investigation into HCMC’s “internal culture, management practices and personnel decisions.”

So far, the board has not initiated an independent inquiry.

“Employees who raise legitimate concerns are met with retaliation, not collaboration. Those who offer constructive dissent are pushed aside, excluded or removed,” Simmons said.

“Most concerning of all, women of color, who are already navigating systemic obstacles, are being disproportionately penalized for speaking out.”

“As a Black leader within this institution, I have faced persistent micromanagement, undermining of my authority and diminishing of my worth,” the statement said.

Other workers said colleagues were unfairly disciplined, passed over for advancement, demoted or fired for speaking out against hospital practices they felt were unfair or discriminatory.

“Over the years, we’ve watched a slow erosion of accountability, transparency and respect for the people who do the work of healing,” said Sara Franck, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2474, which represents 1,400 HCMC workers.

“Management seems more interested in protecting its own image than in making HCMC a stronger, safer, more equitable place for patients and staff.”

In a statement, Hennepin Healthcare System, which the county and Legislature created in 2006 to operate HCMC and its related clinics, said harassment and discrimination in the workplace is prohibited. It said allegations made by Simmons’ two clients were being investigated by an outside firm.

This is not the first time union workers at the hospital have criticized management. Nurses, EMTs and other staff began calling for leadership changes in 2023 amid a nearly $130 million budget deficit.

Workers accused hospital leaders of financial mismanagement that led to unfair changes in employee benefits and not enough being done to retain staff and protect workers on the job.

Union leaders raised new concerns recently after interim CEO Thomas Klemond told employees the hospital anticipated a $59 million deficit by the end of this year and may have to cut staff and services.

Hospital leaders have not identified any programs or workers at risk.

On Tuesday, the County Board tabled a request from the hospital for a $20 million loan to buy medical equipment. Commissioners are expected to reconsider it at their July 29 regular meeting.