Axis MN, Inc. Spotlight
Axis Minnesota, INC.
April 2010
Axis Stewards from L to R: Barb Dickson, Mary Sulonteh, Judy Wildenauer and Mari-Olivia Sawyer
AXIS Minnesota Inc. operates six Intermediate Care Facilities for people with varying developmental disabilities in the Twin Cities. SEIU HC MN members have been working as LPNs, and Direct Support Staff with children and adults with significant developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and complex medical conditions; 47 members work at homes in Shoreview, Roseville, White Bear Township and Mounds View.
Recently, union bulletin boards have been placed in all homes thanks to the work of Internal Organizer, Lisa Weed and the five stewards: Barbara Dickinson, Judy Wildenauer, Mary Sulonteh, Mari-Olivia Sawyer and SEIU HC MN Executive Board member Kenneth Ngamne. Check the bulletin board frequently for updates and news from SEIU HC MN, and be sure to look for info on an event for Axis MN members over the summer. Steward meetings are held at the corporate office in Roseville on the 4th Wednesday of every month from 3:30-5pm.
Members at Axis, MN have won several victories in the past months. In February, after members were denied representation at a Weingarten meeting and the employer violated rights protected by the NLRA, SEIU Healthcare MN filed a grievance and ULP with the board. Discussions were held with the employer who ultimately agreed to issue a personal apology to the members involved and publicly apologized for the incident on the Axis website. The employer additionally agreed to re-train the leadership team on Weingarten rights, post the details of Weingarten rights on the employer home page and would incorporate Weingarten training at yearly training meetings.
Additionally, after filing grievances for job termination, two members won their jobs back, one received 100% back pay, and the other received 50% back pay.