U.S. District Judge Michael Davis dismissed a lawsuit Monday 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.
The suit, filed by Edina attorney Douglas Seaton, represented six state health workers who provide home-care services to disabled individuals and family members.
Davis ruled 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.
His decision was not unexpected after his ruling last October, refusing 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). The union won a representation election last summer.
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.
Randy Furst
