DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – It’s been a year since a group of Essentia Health providers announced plans to unionize. They are now calling on their employer to come to the bargaining table.
Essentia’s Eastern Market Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) voted to join the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) union last July and received certification.
Essentia’s eastern market covers much of the Northland, from Brainerd north to Aurora.
However, APP claims Essentia refused to recognize the union and negotiate a contract in good faith.
They say the move undermines the voices and contributions of caregivers, breaking a promise and commitment they made with them.
“If you value us, respect the decision we made to unionize and stop the delaying tactics,” said Kelly Higgins, a physician assistant in Essentia’s eastern market. “If you’re sorry, change the behavior that you think has led us to this point, words without action don’t mean much, and right now you’re sending a clear message and it’s not the right one. “
The group presents a petition to Essentia with over 60% of APP’s signatures, demanding that it recognize the union and come to the bargaining table.
Essentia executives believe it is premature to begin negotiating with the MNA on behalf of the Eastern Market PPAs due to an ongoing appeal in Washington DC.
During the same period, Essentia leaders say they recognized several new bargaining units that voted to join because they followed established training rules.
Essentia executives issued the following statement:
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