Tuan Vu

What is unusual about your hometown, workplace or job?

I grew up in Duluth, Minn., where it’s not uncommon for people, especially at church functions, to eat lutefisk, dried fish that’s pickled in lye. I first tasted it when I was about 10.

What does this year’s theme, “Everybody’s Union” mean to you?

It mirrors a lot of what my local is. We have environmental services workers, doctors, nurse practitioners, patient service reps, physical therapists and so on. We can represent everybody, bargain for a better life for everybody.

What issues will be important when your Local’s contract expires?

Wages, of course, and worker safety. They almost go hand in hand because higher wages help with recruitment, retention and safe staffing levels. We have to push Essentia, which likes to spend money on facilities, to also invest in the people who make the health system function.

What’s your go-to dance move?

 The “Tootsie Roll.”

Every leader has a good tune to walk out to when introduced. What’s your walk-up song?

“Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” by Cage the Elephant.

Who would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

I would pick my Dad, who passed away. 

What things have you done or hope to do while you’re here?

Meet people and learn from the other members who are here.

Have you yet decided how you will put the convention to work when you return home?

This goes back to that staffing issue. I’d like to explore educational opportunities, possibly through the Institute for Career Development, that will help us recruit workers and enable current members to advance in their careers.