Minnesota Nurses Association Nurses at Essentia Health Begin to Strike
DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday morning, at multiple locations around the Northland, more than 290 Essentia Health nurses and health care professionals with the Minnesota Nurses’ Association are making their voices heard.
“Since issuing our strike notice, we have offered to meet every single day, and Essentia has declined every single time, only offering two meetings this month, we are here demanding fair bargaining and for Essentia to respect our union. We’re ready to get back to the table and get back to our patients, but that’s starts with Essentia showing up,” said Kate Mathewson, a Diabetes & Endocrinology Dept. Nurse, 2nd Street Essentia Clinic.
One of the nurses said, their eyes have been opened.
Nurses are striking in four locations. In Superior, 1st and 2nd Street in Duluth, and Miller Trunk Highway.
But before this happened, there were some things that led up to the decision to strike.
“We have been up until this point, non-contract workers, and felt, based on Essentia’s practices, that it was time that we formed a union and created a contract to create some trust with our employer and the nurses,” said Julie Flotten, Registered Nurse, 1st Street Essentia Health Clinic.
The nurses said without the compromises they’re striking for; it will lead up to poor patient care. They are picketing for numerous reasons.
“We’re looking for a confirmed work agreement. Many of us just want to know that the job we apply for is the job that we get to keep, and that if major aspects of that job change, that we have a say in the change,” said Molly Swailes, Essentia Health 1st Street Clinic.
“We care about our patients. We want them to be healthy. Want them to feel safe. We need, Essentia to come to the table so that we can negotiate and compromise,” added Flotten.
According to a release sent by Essentia Health, prior to the picketing, both 1st and 2nd Street Essentia clinics have agreed to bargain on July 17th and 28th.
The 3rd Street Essentia Clinic in Duluth and Superior Essentia Clinic will bargain on July 9th and 23rd.
Following this, FOX 21 reached out to Essentia Health regarding the strike.
In response, Essentia Health sent out a statement.
“Strikes by unions during negotiations for a first contract are highly unusual. Typically, if any strike does occur during first contract negotiations, it is only after negotiations have reached an impasse. That could not be further from what is happening here: we are in the middle of negotiating first contracts. Instead of focusing on the issues at each bargaining table, the MNA called all new bargaining units out on strike without letting negotiations play out at the table.”
In addition, Essentia Health also released a detailed breakdown about each unit’s negotiations:
“The MNA is citing concerns around the progress of the negotiations – despite having waited months after becoming the certified bargaining representative to set dates to begin negotiations:”
COURTESY OF ESSENTIA HEALTH:
- 1st Street Clinic: MNA waited 5 months before setting a date to bargain with Essentia. (First bargaining date: July 9, 2024)
- 2nd Street Clinic: MNA waited 4.5 months before setting a date to bargain with Essentia. (First bargaining date: July 10, 2024)
- 3rd Street Clinic: MNA waited 7.5 months before setting a date to bargain with Essentia. (First bargaining date: February 26, 2025)
- Superior Clinic: MNA waited 7 months before setting a date to bargain with Essentia. (First bargaining date: February 27, 2025)
- Miller Hill Surgery Center: MNA waited 5 months before setting a date to bargain with Essentia. (First bargaining date: November 11, 2024)
- Solvay House: MNA waited 5 months before setting a date to bargain with Essentia. (First bargaining date: November 20, 2024)
