DULUTH, Minn. — As Essentia Health-Deer River workers close the sixth week of an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike, the members of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa remain resolved in their determination to secure a fair contract from Essentia Health management. The strike, which began on Dec. 9, is the longest ULP strike by SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa in over 40 years.
Senator Jen McEwen (DFL-Duluth), co-chair of the Senate Labor Committee, releases the following statement:
“I stand in unwavering solidarity with the workers of SEIU Healthcare at Essentia Health in Deer River, who are using their collective power to demand respect and fair wages. These dedicated healthcare workers care for our ill and elderly with skill and compassion. They should not have to go to these lengths to secure the wages, benefits and working conditions they deserve.
“To add insult to injury, Essentia’s CEO is one of the highest paid nonprofit CEOs in the state, having received a $1 million bonus in 2022 and 2023, while the pay for these workers remains so inadequate that shifts are often short-staffed. Understandably, there are not enough people willing to do this critical work for such little pay. Essentia Health-Deer River must stop the disrespectful and bullying behavior that has brought these workers to this point. I am grateful to these workers for standing strong together for one another and for Essentia’s patients, and I am proud of the community support these workers continue to see from our neighbors, friends and family throughout the Northland as they fight for dignity and fairness in the workplace.”
Workers went on a five day unfair labor practices strike in early November as part of this same fight. The union and management have been bargaining since August, yet remain far apart on critical issues to ensure there are enough staff to provide the highest standard of patient and resident care. People can visit SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa’s website for updates on the strike, and ways to support these workers, including a donation link to their strike fund.
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