Essentia nurses ratify new pact

Nurses who work for Essentia hospitals in Duluth, Minn., and Superior, Wis., have approved a new contract.

The Minnesota Nurses Association represents 1,300 registered nurses at Essentia Health-Duluth and Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Hospital-Superior as well as Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Nurses ratified a new three-year contract on Sept. 8 after reaching a tentative agreement with Essentia management on August 31.

“Nurses reached a fair agreement after five months of intense negotiating and actions drawing public attention to our concerns,” said MNA Essentia Twin Ports Co-Chair Steve Strand. “Nurses believe the new contract helps ensure we can provide the care every patient needs and deserve – which is nurses’ top priority – and ensures they have insurance benefits that are secure and retain their voice in the workplace.”

The new contract includes measures to improve staffing levels, address workplace violence and offset financial changes in health insurance, the union said.

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