Local Unions back Strikers from Deer River Essentia Facility

DULUTH, Minn. — Union workers from Essentia’s facility in Deer River, picketed in Duluth on Wednesday.

The workers are apart of the Service Employees International Union, but were joined today by local chapters of ASFME and the United Steel Workers.

The various unions showed their support by braving the cold in front of Essentia’s 2nd Street facility.

The Deer River workers and Essentia are still without a wage and benefits agreement as the strike nears day 40.

“What he is proposing is a 3% increase that is not across the board. It is a total of everyone’s wage increase adding up to 3%,” said Sarah Joe Roberts, a surgical technician at Essentia-Deer River. “And for some members, for me, example, in year number one, I’m only getting $0.08. And that I’m sorry, is not good enough.”

The union said that the strike is the longest of it’s kind in their history.

Essentia Health and SEIU began negotiations on a new three-year contract, back in August. Since then, Essentia says the SEIU demanded a 55% increase in wages throughout the contract, which was 70% from the original request from the union. But Essentia does not believe that offer is realistic.

“Well, that’s certainly our goal is to make progress at the next session. We just really appreciate the work of our colleagues, we’re certainly looking to reach an agreement that recognizes that great work. But is also realistic and sustainable for healthcare in Deer River.”

Essentia is offering a wage increase of 9 percent over three years.

It includes market competitive compensation, with an upcoming return to the bargaining table, Essentia is hoping to reach an agreement.