Essentia Health urges SEIU leaders to call vote on latest contract proposal

Following our sixth bargaining session with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) on Wednesday, Dec. 4, Essentia Health received an updated contract proposal from the SEIU. Unfortunately, it was not a reasonable offer to bring us closer to a resolution and avoid a second SEIU strike, which began this morning at our hospital and nursing home facilities in Deer River.

Essentia is urging SEIU leadership to call a vote on our latest proposal of a wage increase worth about 9% over three years, which was structured with respect to the union’s preference for a wage grid that contains both annual across-the-board increases and increases based on hours worked. This offer is consistent with about 15 agreements already ratified this year by other union groups at Essentia with similar roles.

Our offer contains a competitive benefits package that includes health care, dental care and time off, and recognizes the important contributions of our valued colleagues in Deer River while maintaining local access to high-quality health care.

The union’s latest proposal calls for a compounded wage increase that equals well over 18% after three years. The wage demands in the first year vary widely depending on roles and years of experience and range from 1.3% to 23.4%. We do not view this as a serious proposal, nor is it fair for union members or sustainable for health care in Deer River.

Essentia had hoped to avoid a second SEIU strike, which is set to disrupt patient care indefinitely as the union has not indicated an end date. During this work stoppage, we must prioritize services, focusing on emergency care, outpatient services and long-term care at Essentia Health-Homestead. However, aspects of hospital inpatient care and surgical care will be temporarily suspended. We likely will not be able to accept new patients for hospital admission.

These are difficult but necessary steps to take as we navigate another SEIU strike. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of the patients we serve.

We are disappointed that the union continues to pursue work stoppages, rather than reaching a resolution that preserves sustainable health care close to home for our friends, family and neighbors in the Deer River community.

Frequently asked questions

The union says their increases reflect wages available at other hospitals. What do you say to that?

From our conversations at the bargaining table, SEIU is basing its increase request on incomplete comparisons at other facilities, including locations that are far larger and offer more complex care. We regularly evaluate market conditions, and we are confident that our proposals are competitive for the local market.

How do you respond to union claims that you are understaffed?

This is not true. The number of colleagues in the unit has stayed very close to 70 members over the last few years. We currently have six open positions in this unit, only one of which is full-time. The vacancy rate matches the state vacancy rate for hospitals and health systems across the state, as reported by the Minnesota Hospital Association. At the same time, the number of patients at Essentia Health-Deer River also has remained steady.

For additional frequently asked questions, please visit our Essentia Health-SEIU negotiations webpage.