Twin Ports
Bargaining

 

Essentia Health recognizes the MNA as the union representing more than 1,300 nurses in the Twin Ports area. Negotiations began on April 18, 2022. Essentia Health is committed to working through the usual process of bargaining in good faith to come to a mutually agreeable contract.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – December 14, 2022 Update

Twin Ports nurses represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association voted to approve a labor agreement with Essentia Health. The three-year contract covers our nurses working at Essentia Health hospitals in Duluth and Superior.

This positive outcome is the result of good faith bargaining in which both parties worked hard in pursuit of a contract that benefits our nurses and our organization. Most importantly, we believe the agreement allows us to continue providing high-quality care close to home for the patients we are privileged to serve in the Twin Ports and the surrounding communities.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – December 6, 2022 Update

We are pleased to announce that Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract covering nurses who care for patients at our hospitals in Duluth and Superior. This positive outcome is the result of hard work at the bargaining table.

As a part of the tentative agreement, the MNA agreed to withdraw its strike notice.

The MNA will share details of the tentative agreement with its membership and conduct a ratification vote on the agreement no later than Dec. 12. The MNA bargaining committee unanimously agreed to recommend ratification. We will share the results of that vote when we learn them.

At Essentia, we are privileged to have skilled, compassionate nurses, and we value their contributions to make a healthy difference in people’s lives. Thanks go to all our colleagues for the teamwork demonstrated as we have been preparing for a potential work stoppage. We appreciate the efforts of the negotiating teams to reach a resolution, allowing us all to continue focusing on providing high-quality patient care to the communities we are privileged to serve.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – December 4, 2022 Update

Representatives from Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association met today for a long day.

We discussed economic issues and staffing. The MNA is requesting 20% over three years and Essentia is offering 15% over three years. We exchanged numerous proposals on staffing.

We agreed to meet again on Tuesday, December 6, with another day scheduled for Wednesday.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – December 1, 2022 Update

Representatives from Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association met for a full day today and into the evening to conduct bargaining. There was progress toward a resolution evidenced by both parties exchanging two full counter proposals.  

Essentia presented, and the parties discussed a revised full employer package which included

• Year 1: Modified Wage Grid PLUS $2.14 per hour across-the-board increase.
• Year 2: 4% across-the-board increase.
• Year 3: 3.75% across-the-board increase.
• Improvement to longevity bonus for nurse 20+ years.
• Met MNA demand on increases to straight evening differential and straight night differential

We remain hopeful that a mutually beneficial agreement is within reach. We added a bargaining session on Sunday 12/4 along with the previously scheduled session on 12/7. We look forward to getting back together on Sunday to respond to the MNA’s next proposal.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – November 29, 2022 Update

Essentia Health looks forward to returning to the bargaining table with the MNA in the Twin Ports on Thursday, Dec. 1. We hope to build on the momentum achieved by the tentative agreement reached yesterday with the MNA in Moose Lake. Here’s a communication shared with East Market colleagues earlier today:

Essentia Health is pleased to reach a tentative agreement with our MNA-represented nurses in Moose Lake. Both parties worked hard at the bargaining table in pursuit of a contract that benefits our nurses, our organization and — most importantly — our patients. This positive outcome demonstrates what can be achieved through good-faith negotiations.

We value our skilled and compassionate nurses, and we appreciate their dedication to providing the highest level of patient care in support of Essentia’s mission to make a healthy difference in people’s lives.

As part of this tentative agreement, the MNA negotiating committee has agreed to recommend ratification and will hold a ratification vote on or before Dec. 9. The tentative agreement also indicates that the Moose Lake location will not participate in a strike authorization vote on Nov. 30.

This is an encouraging development in our ongoing negotiations with the MNA. We continue to work toward sustainable, mutually beneficial agreements with other MNA bargaining units. We look to the union to explore all possible options at the bargaining table with us, including mediation, before asking our Twin Ports nurses to strike again. We will provide additional updates as they occur.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – November 28, 2022 Update

Essentia Health deeply values our nurses and the skills and experience they bring to our care teams. We continue to believe that we can reach an agreement with the MNA that supports excellent patient care and the growth and development of all our nurses through constructive negotiations at our local bargaining tables. We must also work toward a sustainable and responsible financial model that will allow us to fulfill our mission well into the future.

And we are listening. We have responded to the concerns and issues the MNA has brought to us at the table and will continue to do so.

In our efforts to be transparent and move negotiations to a mutually agreeable outcome, we have clearly posted our proposals that have been shared with the MNA bargaining team. We are doing this to better allow our nurses to make informed decisions by providing comprehensive information on our bargaining website.

Our current wage package on the table for Twin Ports nurses addresses many issues raised by the MNA and features increases for all nurses and accelerated increases for nurses earlier in their career at Essentia. The proposal also focuses on attracting and retaining nurses earlier in their career, including more frequent pay increases for entry level nurses to keep them at the bedside.

We do not believe a strike is in anyone’s best interest. We know from earlier this year that a strike can take an emotional toll on our nurses and other Essentia Health colleagues – and does not bring us closer to an agreement.

As we have seen with our own history of reaching agreements with the MNA, good-faith bargaining can result in mutually beneficial agreements. That remains our goal and we believe it is possible if the MNA shares our commitment to that process.

We were encouraged to hear MNA leadership recently express openness to mediation after previously declining our offers to bring in a third-party independent mediator. We continue to believe this step would move both parties closer to agreement and avoid a strike. We look to the union to explore all possible options at the bargaining table with us before asking nurses to strike.

Our hope is to avoid a work stoppage and find resolutions at the bargaining table, and we will continue to keep you updated as negotiations move forward.

 

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – November 14 & 15, 2022 Update

Representatives from Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association met yesterday afternoon and today to conduct bargaining. Over the two days, the parties exchanged proposals over staffing, wages and other economic issues.

Yesterday, Essentia provided a proposal on wages to address concerns raised during the November 8 session. After receiving a counter proposal from the MNA late in the evening, Essentia agreed to provide another proposal this morning. After additional work, Essentia provided a second full counter proposal that addressed numerous issues raised by the MNA. This included a new wage proposal that offers increases for all employees while continuing to focus on attracting and retaining nurses earlier in their career at Essentia. It also accelerates the path to the top rate. The updated proposed wage grid is here.

Essentia and the MNA also exchanged proposals on extra shift bonuses for nurses.

Essentia and the MNA also discussed staffing, with Essentia providing a proposal that addressed nurse involvement in staffing plans. That proposal is here.

Essentia’s full counter proposal is here.

We look forward to continued movement at the next bargaining session scheduled for December 1.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – November 8, 2022 Update

Representatives from Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association met again today to conduct bargaining. After a delayed start per the MNA’s request, the union offered only a partial response to the full package proposal that Essentia had shared in the October 10 session.

In the afternoon, the parties had a lengthy discussion about staffing and wages. Essentia agreed to modify its compressed wage schedule to address concerns raised by the MNA. Before Essentia could complete the proposal, the MNA requested to end the session at 5pm. We look forward to sharing our modified proposal at the next bargaining session, scheduled for November 14. We expect to receive the MNA’s counter proposal on staffing at that time.

Essentia also renewed its request for third-party, independent mediation to help arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – November 3, 2022 Update

We are pleased the MNA accepted our offer to negotiate on November 8 and 14. Our goals are to continue negotiations with a focus on the issues most relevant for our Twin Ports community and to find solutions that best support our patients and the way we deliver care. As always, we are prepared to stay as long as it takes to reach an agreement so long as the parties are making meaningful progress.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – October 24, 2022 Update

Following the conclusion of our bargaining session with the MNA on October 10, the parties agreed to meet today, October 24, to continue negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. Unfortunately, the MNA canceled today’s bargaining session due to illness among their team. After we provided a full proposal on October 10, including an updated wage grid, the MNA ended our October 10 negotiation session early to work on a response. We had hoped to receive the MNA’s response today but that did not happen.

This delay in reaching a new agreement is unfortunate, but we are prepared to stay at the table as long as it takes when we meet next as long as meaningful progress is being made.

Our next scheduled date to meet is November 15. However, as a result of today’s cancellation by the MNA, we have offered two dates (November 8 and 14th). We look forward to getting back to the table as soon as possible.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – October 10, 2022 Update

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association continued negotiations today for the twentieth session. In continuing our commitment to transparency with our nurses, current proposals from Essentia Health are below which we believe address the concerns raised in previous negotiating sessions.

Members of the Essentia Health finance team presented a health care economics overview at the bargaining table. As a non-profit organization, Essentia reinvests its earnings in community support, equipment, and other programs and services. The presentation demonstrated how patient demographics are different for Essentia Health than patients at Twin Cities hospitals and how this impacts reimbursement for Essentia. Our patient base is aging and increasingly relies on government supported health care coverage, which pays Essentia less than it costs to deliver the care. This requires us to be innovative in how we keep Essentia nursing jobs among the best in the communities we are privileged to serve and supporting excellence in patient care.

We continue to believe that our wage proposal is both bold and unique. The compressed wage schedule addresses challenges related to attracting and retaining nurses early in their careers by offering increases frequently within the first few years of a new nurse’s career – when they are most likely to leave bedside nursing. Essentia presented a modified wage grid today in response to concerns raised at the bargaining table:

• Nurses who have 15-19 years of service would receive a one-time 2.5% lump sum payment as well as increases through the grid adjustment.
• Nurses with 20+ years would receive a one-time lump sum payment equal to 4% of wages. 
• In years two and three, we are offering a 3% across-the-board increase each year for all nurses covered by the contract.

MNA did not respond to our wage proposal, which can be found here.

We continue to make modifications to our staffing proposal in response to concerns raised by MNA. Our latest proposal can be found here.

Our wage package continues to include paid time off (PTO) for all new nurses and current nurses who choose it. The PTO plan includes two weeks of paid parental leave and employer-paid short-term disability.

We look forward to continuing negotiations and are looking at potential dates later this month.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – September 27, 2022 Update

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association continued negotiating at the table today. Most of the discussion focused on staffing, time off and wages. In continuing our commitment to transparency with our nurses, current proposals from Essentia Health are below. You can see the full proposals here. The proposals offer solutions to concerns raised by our nurses.

Wages

• We believe our proposed wage grid helps address challenges related to attracting and retaining nurses at the bedside. This proposal aims to support new nurses with regular increases and is aimed to address significant turnover in acute care nurses. Essentia has seen an increase in first-year turnover from 10% in 2019 to nearly 30%, which aligns with national averages. MNA rejected Essentia’s proposed wage grid, and instead reduced their proposed across the board increases to 25.5% over three years.  We sought to understand MNA’s concerns and how we can work together to come up with innovative solutions that value our nurses and address retention concerns. We heard from the MNA that they were concerned that the wage grid failed to address the expectations of senior nurses. We will take that feedback into consideration as we develop a counterproposal.

Staffing (updated)

• We continue to discuss staffing and Essentia offered a counter proposal to which the MNA returned a proposal. It is imperative that numerous factors be taken into consideration when determining staffing levels – patient and staff safety, patient volumes and acuity, nurse skill levels, staffing mix, support resources, overtime, community access and more. Essentia continues to believe that all nurse concerns about safety, appropriateness of assignment or request for modified assignment be heard — first by the charge nurse — and escalated to other leaders, if necessary; our proposal ensures that nurse input is considered. Our staffing proposal modifies the current collective bargaining agreement to include mediation as a way to combine our voices in the review of our staffing levels and assignments.   

Paid time off

• Essentia’s proposal for paid time-off was discussed and then rejected by the MNA. This proposal makes it optional for current Essentia Health nurses to choose paid time-off, which includes paid family leave and short-term disability. All newly recruited nurses would be covered by the PTO plan.

We look forward to continued negotiations at the table; the next bargaining session scheduled for October 10.

 

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – September 20, 2022 Update

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association met today to continue negotiations. The discussions focused primarily on staffing, wages and paid leave. We understand these are key issues for our nurses and believe in the importance of transparency, so we want to make Essentia’s full proposals available to you. Essentia Health offered the following, which we believe reflect our mutual best interests.

Paid Leave

Essentia Health has been listening to our nurses and we recognize that paid leave is important to them. That’s why early in bargaining, on May 2, 2022, we proposed a package that included two weeks paid parental leave and employer-paid short-term disability. At the time, the union indicated they were not interested.  We understand that this issue remains important to our nurses. That is why we included in our wage package paid parental leave and offered solutions to MNA’s stated concerns, by allowing current Essentia Health nurses to choose the paid time off plan that works for them. If current nurses select the PTO program, they would receive two weeks of paid parental leave. Find our package proposal here.

Staffing

We recognize that our nurses want to provide input on staffing, and we want them to know their voices are important on this issue. We have long involved nurses in staffing decisions; it is already part of our collective bargaining agreement. However, we have proposed to modify the current language to make the input more effective and included mediation as a way to further assist in the communication, review, and modification of our staffing levels and assignments.

Outside of the bargaining table, we have:  

• Invested in nursing extender programs.
• Increased the number of staff serving on the floors in non-clinical roles to help support nursing team members by delivering patient food, cleaning rooms, completing administrative tasks and providing general support to our nurses.
• Enhanced shift bonuses and retention benefits to recognize the dedication of our nurses.
• Created a residency program that allows new nurses support when they need it most.
• Developed creative recruiting efforts to bolster our nursing team numbers which allowed us to hire 462 nurses last year.

Staffing will continue to be a priority for us. Find our staffing proposal here.

Compensation

We believe we need to be bold and innovative to continue to provide the quality, affordable and accessible care our patients deserve into the future.  Our nurses told us that we need to attract and retain entry level nurses and show them achievable wage increases that values their experiences as they begin their nursing journey. That is why Essentia proposed a bold new approach to compensating nurses that benefits all nurses by attracting and retaining nurses in the early years of their careers.

The proposal:

• Reduces the time it takes to reach the top rate of pay from approximately 20 to 10 years.
• Introduces the concept of mini-increases for entry-level nurses to keep them at the bedside during the period hospital systems see the highest turnover.
• Increases compensation tied to education and professionalism.
• Adds opportunities for attractive schedules by allowing Essentia to post 12-hour-shifts, and shifts that fit nurses’ desired schedules.

Find our proposed wage grid here

Taken in conjunction with Essentia’s recruitment and retention efforts outside of the bargaining table, this approach addresses the attraction and retention concerns raised by our colleagues. Essentia remains open to working with the MNA to find mutually agreeable solutions that value our experienced nurses, while still helping Essentia recruit and retain nurses and provide the accessible, affordable, quality care our patients expect. 

Read all the proposals discussed today here.

We have offered dates to the MNA for future bargaining sessions, and we look forward to getting those scheduled as soon as possible so we can continue our negotiations toward a mutually beneficial agreement.

 

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – September 15, 2022 Update

Essentia Health facilities in Duluth and Superior welcomed back our MNA-represented nurses with open arms. We are glad to have our regular skilled, compassionate team once again taking care of our friends and neighbors.

Thanks to thoughtful contingency planning and the commitment and resiliency of our extended care teams, our Twin Ports facilities have been able to fulfill our calling to provide high-quality patient care.

We are looking forward to resuming talks with the MNA to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that supports quality patient care and good local jobs. To help accomplish this, we have offered dates to the MNA to schedule our 18th bargaining session.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – September 10, 2022 Update

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association met for the 17th bargaining session today. The discussions focused on staffing and work assignments. The MNA said it appreciated Essentia’s work on the proposal, however discussions did not lead to an agreement.

At the end of the day, the MNA provided an economic proposal. The MNA is proposing a wage increase of 27% over three years, plus many other economic demands. We cannot say yes to this because we do not believe this is responsible. Essentia values its nurses and is proposing 10% over three years, plus an immediate 1% bonus.

While we hoped to reach agreement, we ended negotiations for the day because we did not believe there was sufficient movement that would lead to an agreement prior to the MNA’s planned strike this Monday.

We are disappointed that the MNA has called a strike. We want to assure our patients and communities that our hospitals will remain open and accessible. We have extensive contingency staffing plans in place to preserve our ability to deliver the highest standards of patient care.

Essentia will continue to negotiate in good faith in pursuit of a mutually beneficial agreement that supports quality patient care and good local jobs, including continuing to request mediation, which the union has consistently declined. We look forward to scheduling another bargaining session.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – September 7, 2022 Update

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association conducted bargaining today. The parties had good and lengthy discussions about a package proposal from the MNA that included wages and staffing, and Essentia offered a counter proposal. Discussions also focused on workplace culture. No tentative agreements were reached, but the parties agreed to add a bargaining session on Saturday, September 10, to continue advancing negotiations.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – September 1, 2022 Update

Essentia Health urges mediation to reach agreement with MNA

Today Essentia Heath issued this news release regarding the MNA strike notification:

Along with several other health systems across the state, Essentia Health on Thursday received a 10-day strike notice from the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA). This impacts hospitals in Duluth, Superior and Moose Lake.

We are disappointed that the MNA has called a strike. It is our belief that we have a shared responsibility to care for the communities we’re privileged to serve. At Essentia, we’re proud to have some of the finest nurses in the world; they are an integral part of that commitment. We look forward to reaching an agreement that benefits them while continuing to provide expert, compassionate — and uninterrupted — care for our patients.

Progress has been made in talks, but significant gaps remain.
The MNA is seeking a 32.5% wage increase over three years. Essentia offers competitive wages, sign-on and shift bonuses, tuition reimbursement/assistance and numerous other benefits. A 32.5% wage increase on top of that package is not sustainable. We are currently offering a 10% wage increase over three years.

Because of these gaps, we have repeatedly requested mediation, which the union has consistently declined.

Please note that today’s notice does not guarantee a strike will occur. Essentia will continue to negotiate in good faith in pursuit of a mutually beneficial agreement that supports quality patient care and good local jobs. Additional bargaining sessions are scheduled for next week.

Essentia’s hospitals will remain open and accessible throughout this process. Should a strike occur, we have contingency staffing plans in place to preserve our ability to deliver the highest standards of patient care.

In response to today’s announcement, Essentia joined other Minnesota health systems in filing an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The MNA failed to give the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services a required notice. It is our hope that by filing this charge we can return our focus to the bargaining table; we must exhaust every option to avoid a work stoppage. That is why we took this step.

We respect the MNA’s right to call a legal strike. But they have not done so in this case, and we have a responsibility to provide patient care without disruption. The MNA would challenge any perceived failure to follow regulatory process on our part. We are holding them to the same level of accountability and urging them to continue bargaining with us.

 

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – August 29, 2022 Update

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association conducted bargaining today. During the last session, August 9, 2022, Essentia Health provided a full response on all open issues, which included withdrawing its proposals related to PTO and health insurance, per the MNA’s request. While the MNA responded on some economic issues, they did not move off of their economic proposal of 32.5% of increases over 3 years or substantively respond to the remaining proposals that Essentia Health offered earlier in the month. Essentia Health made movement on the MNA’s responses regarding baccalaureate and certification pay. Essentia Health also engaged the MNA in discussions about staffing and offered possible ways to address MNA concerns. Essentia Health inquired again about mediation but received no response.

Essentia remains committed to bargaining in good faith toward a mutually beneficial agreement. Essentia is hopeful the MNA will accept the request to bring in neutral mediators to reach an agreement as quickly as possible. The next bargaining session is scheduled for September 7.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – August 16, 2022 Update

Patient care is our primary concern and Essentia Health is proud to have some of the best nurses in the country.

We are disappointed that nurses represented by the MNA have voted to authorize a strike. Please note, however, that this vote does not mean a strike is imminent, it gives union leaders the ability to call a strike should they choose that path.

We believe no one wins in a strike – and we have a shared responsibility to provide quality care to the patients and communities we are privileged to serve. Should it become necessary, we have contingency plans to ensure we can continue to care for our patients in the event of an MNA strike.

We are confident we can reach a new agreement that continues to support quality patient care and good local jobs because of our strong track record of reaching mutually beneficial agreements. In the past five years, Essentia Health has successfully negotiated more than 60 agreements with eight different unions representing 44 bargaining units across our facilities.

Essentia remains committed to reaching a new agreement as quickly as possible, leading to an enhanced work experience for MNA-represented nurses at Essentia facilities while continuing to support high-quality patient care. The next bargaining session is scheduled for August 29.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – August 9, 2022 Update

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association conducted bargaining today. While progress has been made during the 14 meetings since bargaining began, much work remains. Tentative agreements have been reached on a number of issues, including:

• Casual status
• Holiday scheduling
• Dual licensure
• Non-discrimination policies
• Low-need days

We continue discussing staffing, as well as wages and benefits. Our most recent proposal continues current benefits and would provide a wage increase of 10% (4%, 3%, 3%) over the three-year term of the contract. This wage proposal is more than was agreed to during our last negotiations. In contrast, the MNA is seeking a wage increase of 32.5% (14%, 9.5%, 9%) over the same time period, plus increased differentials and bonuses.

Essentia feels the wage increase proposal we have on the table is reasonable. However, with the parties so far apart on this issue, we have asked the MNA to join us in requesting an independent federal mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to help us move forward. A mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service has been engaged in previous negotiations and has helped the parties come to mutually beneficial agreement. After repeatedly declining the opportunity to involve a mediator, the MNA is considering the request, to which we hope they will agree.

Essentia remains committed to reaching a new agreement as quickly as possible, leading to an enhanced work experience for MNA-represented nurses at Essentia facilities while continuing to support high-quality patient care. The next bargaining session is scheduled for August 29.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – August 3, 2022 Update

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association conducted bargaining today. During today’s exchange, the MNA gave a revised proposal on staffing which Essentia reviewed, then the sides engaged in lengthy, candid discussions focused on staffing levels and scheduling. Essentia is committed to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement and will continue to bargain in good faith. To help achieve this goal of reaching an agreement as quickly as possible, Essentia has offered mediation, which has been successful in the past. The next bargaining session is scheduled for August 9.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – July 21, 2022 Update

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association conducted bargaining today. During today’s exchange, discussions were had around 12-hour shifts and educational development. Though tentative agreements were not reached both parties were able to gain a greater understanding of each other’s interests. Essentia is committed to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement and has offered mediation, which has been successful in the past. Essentia will continue to bargain in good faith with the goal of reaching an agreement as quickly as possible. The next bargaining session is scheduled for August 3.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – July 12, 2022 Update

7/12/22

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association conducted bargaining today. There were productive discussions on several issues, including staffing and loan forgiveness. Essentia provided an overview of the real time location system (RTLS) and answered questions from the MNA team. Essentia will continue to bargain in good faith with the goal of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement as quickly as possible. The next bargaining session is scheduled for July 21.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – July 5, 2022 Update

7/5/22

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association conducted bargaining today. Discussions progressed, with the parties reaching tentative agreements on casual status and confirmed work agreements. Progress was also made regarding personal holidays. Essentia will continue to bargain in good faith with the goal of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement as quickly as possible. The next bargaining session is scheduled for July 12.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – June 30, 2022 Update

6/30/22

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association conducted bargaining today. The session was respectful and cordial. As of July 1, 2022, the existing agreement between Essentia and the Twin Ports nurses represented by the MNA has expired. Essentia will continue to bargain in good faith with the goal of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement as quickly as possible. The next bargaining session is scheduled for July 5.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – June 17, 2022 Update

6/17/22

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association conducted bargaining today. The day began with a scheduled Essentia presentation on the nurse residency program and there was also discussion on staffing. The parties then broke to allow the MNA to caucus. The MNA returned later in the afternoon to offer responses to outstanding proposals.

At the end of the day, Essentia requested that MNA agree to bring in mediation services to assist the parties in reaching an agreement. The MNA declined. Mediation is the assistance of a neutral third-party to help advance bargaining to a successful conclusion. The next bargaining session is scheduled for June 30.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – June 13, 2022 Update

6/13/22

Representatives of Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association conducted bargaining today. The parties continued to work through non-economic and economic issues in a deliberate way and made some progress on contract language. The next bargaining session is scheduled for June 17.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – June 9, 2022 Update

6/9/22

Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association, representing nurses in the Twin Ports area, continued contract negotiations on Thursday, June 9. Incremental progress was made on a number of outstanding proposals. The next bargaining date is scheduled for Monday, June 13, with additional sessions on the calendar.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – May 26, 2022 Update

5/26/22

Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association, representing nurses in the Twin Ports area, continued contract negotiations on Thursday, May 26. Essentia responded to open MNA proposals, including the union’s initial economic proposal. The next bargaining date is scheduled for Thursday, June 9.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – May 20, 2022 Update

5/20/22

Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association, representing nurses in the Twin Ports area, continued contract negotiations on Friday, May 20. They had productive discussions around proposals related to hours and flex scheduling. The next bargaining date is scheduled for Thursday, May 26.

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – May 2, 2022 Update

5/2/22

Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association, representing nurses in the Twin Ports area, continued contract negotiations on Monday, May 2. The MNA team shared its initial economic proposal and Essentia Health requested clarification on several points. There was also discussion about Essentia’s paid time off proposal. Tentative agreement was reached on a number of other proposals. The next bargaining date is scheduled for Friday, May 20.

 

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – April 25, 2022 Update

4/25/22

Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association representing nurses in the Twin Ports area continued contract negotiations Monday, April 25. We have reached tentative agreement on the MNA’s proposal on uniforms and on parts of several other union proposals.

Both sides sought and received additional clarification on each other’s proposals and have indicated that they are prepared to put forward additional counter proposals and revisions next week. Essentia will be bringing internal experts to the next meeting to discuss more details about its PTO proposal, based on our discussion today.

We believe we are well-positioned to continue productive discussions at our next bargaining session scheduled for Monday, May 2.

 

Essentia Health and Minnesota Nurses Association Bargaining – April 18, 2022 Update

4/18/22

Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association representing nurses in the Twin Ports area began contract talks Monday, April 18, 2022. We are committed to engaging in good-faith bargaining and reaching a mutually agreeable settlement that supports our Mission of making a healthy difference in people’s lives, keeping Essentia nursing jobs among the best in the communities we are privileged to serve and supporting excellence in patient care. We look forward to these negotiations being productive because we have a long history of reaching mutually acceptable agreements with the MNA for more than 50 years across our system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below is a representative sample of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the bargaining process and what it means for MNA and Essentia Health.