MNA Accuses Essentia of ‘Intimidation’ and ‘Retaliation’ Amid Strike

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) blasted Essentia Health Wednesday by saying the healthcare provider is intimidating and retaliating against some of the union’s Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) who have chosen to leave the group’s strike and go back to work.

The strong words from the MNA came after Essentia Health sent out the following release to the media Wednesday evening:

“Sharing an update about the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) strike involving some of Essentia Health’s East Market advanced practice providers (APPs). We are deeply grateful for the 241 APPs who have chosen to continue caring for patients amid the strike. That number has consistently increased since the work stoppage began on Thursday, July 10. That 54% of these clinicians are continuing to show up for their patients and communities underscores their commitment to Essentia’s mission of making a healthy difference in people’s lives.”

In director response, MNA released the following statement to FOX 21:

“Essentia has made it clear through surveillance, intimidation, and pressure that speaking up would come at a cost for these providers, so it’s no surprise that some APPs didn’t join the strike and some are returning before the strike is complete. That doesn’t mean, however, that they support the actions of their powerful employer.  Many of these providers are returning only to face additional intimidation and retaliation from their managers, as well as continued changes to their terms and conditions of employment. That’s not a safe workplace —it’s an environment designed to silence workers and intimidate them into submission.

It’s unfortunate that Essentia Health continues to brag about their attempts to weaken the union instead of using that energy to bargain a contract that keeps patients safe and keeps these valuable providers at the bedside.”

Earlier this month, 1,500 acute care nurses with Essentia in the Twin Ports reached a tentative agreement, averting a strike with that group of MNA members.

FOX 21 has reached out to Essentia for additional comment about the allegations from MNA.