Minnesota preparing to cut as many as 100 state health workers, inspectors amid federal shutdown

Given that these job losses could be temporary, the union is seeking a letter of understanding from the state that would preserve health benefits and seniority status for the laid-off workers, Fess said.

About 40 of the workers at risk for layoffs are represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association and are evaluators who inspect health care facilities to make sure they are meeting patient care standards.

Minnesota earlier this fall was considering other layoffs in response to the shutdown of federally funded workers who evaluate disability claims, said Ashley Erickson, a MAPE spokesperson. The state would have been the first to cut these workers, she added, but ultimately decided against the move for now.