Duluth

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Contact: Sam Fettig
(c) 612-741-0662
sam.fettig@mnnurses.org

Lauren Bloomquist
(c) 651-376-9709
lauren.bloomquist@mnnurses.org

(Duluth) – March 1, 2024 – St. Luke’s announced today that the health system has finalized its affiliation with Wisconsin-based Aspirus Health. The following is a statement from Larissa Hubbartt, RN, and Sierra Dyer, RN, Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) Chairs at St. Luke’s Duluth.

“We are hopeful about this affiliation between St. Luke’s and Aspirus. Their commitment to preserving local decision-making reflects a shared dedication to community-centered care, and to the mission of St. Luke’s nurses to put the Patient Above All Else.
… Read more about: Statement on St. Luke’s Affiliation with Aspirus Health  »

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Contact: Sam Fettig
(c) 612-741-0662
sam.fettig@mnnurses.orgLauren Bloomquist
(c) 651-376-9709
lauren.bloomquist@mnnurses.org

Nurses win union election; will bargain collectively for better patient care and nurse working conditions

(St. Paul) – February 29, 2024 – Nurses at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 2nd Street today celebrated a unanimous vote to form a union, represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA). Nurses filed for election in late January and cast their ballots today.

“We are excited to be union nurses and to gain a voice in our workplace so that we can continue to provide high-quality, safe patient care,” said Holly Swedberg, a Registered Nurse at Duluth Clinic 2nd Street.
… Read more about: Nurses at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 2nd Street Vote Unanimously for Union with MNA  »

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sam Fettig
(c) 612-741-0662
sam.fettig@mnnurses.org

Lauren Bloomquist
(c) 651-376-9709
lauren.bloomquist@mnnurses.org
Nurses succeeded in drive to organize despite aggressive anti-union tactics by Essentia executives 
(St. Paul) – February 8, 2024 – Nurses at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 1st Street today celebrated the overwhelming vote of nurses there to join together in a union, represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA). Nurses filed for election in December and cast their votes on Tuesday of this week. Results were counted today by the National Labor Relations Board.

“I’m feeling energized from the positive connection and camaraderie with my coworkers,” said Jackie Thorn, Infusion RN at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 1st Street.
… Read more about: Nurses at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 1st Street vote overwhelmingly to unionize with MNA  »

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In: Duluth, Essentia, Home, Organizing, Press Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact: Sam Fettig
(c) 612-741-0662
sam.fettig@mnnurses.org

Lauren Bloomquist
(c) 651-376-9709
lauren.bloomquist@mnnurses.org

Organizing by nurses at 2nd Street Clinic follows similar efforts in recent months by nurses at Essentia 1st Street Clinic and by Essentia East Market Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)

Duluth) – January 31, 2023 – Tomorrow, February 1, 2024, nurses at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 2nd Street will hold a press conference to announce that they have organized and are filing for an election vote to be represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA). The move follows recent organizing by nurses at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 1st Street and by Essentia East Market Advanced Practice Providers (APPs).
… Read more about: Nurses at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 2nd Street to announce organizing, filing for union representation  »

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In: Duluth, Essentia, Home, Organizing, Press Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact:  Amber Smigiel
(c) 651-202-0845
amber.smigiel@mnnurses.org

Lauren Bloomquist
(c) 651-376-9709
lauren.bloomquist@mnnurses.org

(Duluth) – December 5, 2023 – Tomorrow, December 6, 2023, nurses at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 1st Street will hold a press conference to announce organizing and filing for an election vote to be represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association. They filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board on December 5, and an election date has yet to be determined.

“It’s time for change at our clinic,” said Molly Swailes, Infusion RN at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 1st Street.
… Read more about: Nurses at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 1st Street to announce organizing, filing for union representation  »

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In: Duluth, Essentia, Home, Labor Unions, Organizing, Press Releases, Unions

MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact:  Amber Smigiel
(c) 651-202-0845
amber.smigiel@mnnurses.org

Lauren Bloomquist
(c) 651-376-9709
lauren.bloomquist@mnnurses.org

(Duluth) – November 27, 2023 – Tomorrow, November 28, 2023, healthcare workers at Essentia East Market Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) will hold a press conference to announce organizing and filing for an election vote to be represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association.  The APPs filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board on November 27, and an election date has yet to be determined. 

 “I believe that unionizing will give us the collective voice to advocate for necessary changes in our working conditions so that we can bring our best selves to work each day, and for protection against policies that are harmful to staff and patient care.
… Read more about: Healthcare workers at Essentia East Market Advanced Practice Providers to announce organizing, filing for union representation  »

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In: Duluth, Essentia, Home, Press Releases

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Lauren Nielsen
(c) 651-376-9709
lauren.nielsen@mnnurses.org

Amber Smigiel
(c) 651-202-0845
amber.smigiel@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – July 27, 2023 – Thursday, Essentia Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System announced they have taken the next step in their planned merger. The following is a statement from Minnesota Nurses Association First Vice President Chris Rubesch, RN, at Essentia Health Duluth.

“As always, MNA nurses’ number one priority is providing the highest quality care to our patients and communities.  We will be reviewing the impact this announced merger will have on nurses, our profession, and our patients.
… Read more about: Statement on Essentia Health and Marshfield Clinic Health Systems planned merger  »

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In: Action, Duluth, Essentia, Home, Press Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY

Sam Fettig
(c) 612-741-0662
sam.fettig@mnnurses.org

Lauren Nielsen
(c) 651-376-9709
lauren.nielsen@mnnurses.org

Nurses will gather to make signs at new MNA Duluth office on Tuesday, ahead of Friday picket 

(Duluth) – July 17, 2023 – This Friday, Essentia Health nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) will hold an informational picket outside of the new St. Mary’s Medical Center amid ongoing staffing concerns at the health system. On Tuesday, nurses will gather to make picket signs at the new MNA Duluth office in the Labor Temple. Details on both events are included below.
… Read more about: Essentia nurses to picket new St. Mary’s Medical Center on Friday amid ongoing staffing concerns  »

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In: Duluth, Home, Press Releases, St. Lukes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lauren Nielsen
(c) 651-376-9709
lauren.nielsen@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – July 13, 2023 – Wednesday, St. Luke’s Hospital announced their intent to merge with Wisconsin-based Aspirus Health. The following is a statement from Larissa Hubbartt and Lorie Olesiak, Minnesota Nurses Association Chairs at St. Luke’s Duluth.

“Since it was founded more than a century ago, St. Luke’s Hospital has been grounded in the community, thanks to the care workers, support staff and other workers who show up every day to give the best care we can to everyone who walks through our doors. 
… Read more about: MNA Statement on Planned Merger of St. Luke’s  »

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In: Duluth, Home, Nurse Staffing, Press Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY 

Contact: Sam Fettig
(c) 612-741-0662
sam.fettig@mnnurses.org
Lauren Nielsen
(c) 651-376-9709
lauren.nielsen@mnnurses.org

Nurses calling for legislation to retain and staff nurses to protect patient care, now under threat by corporate health executives 

(Duluth) – May 8, 2023 – At 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, Duluth Mayor Emily Larson will join Twin Ports nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) to present a proclamation for “Nurses Week” in the City of Duluth. The mayor’s proclamation recognizes that “professional nurses are indispensable to the safety and quality of care of hospitalized patients” and “retention of our Registered Nurses and continued support for our nursing students are essential to meet the increasingly complex primary and preventive health care needs of Duluth residents.”

Throughout the week, Minnesota landmarks will be lit red, including Enger Tower in Duluth on May 12, the final day of Nurses Week.
… Read more about: Duluth Mayor Emily Larson to present proclamation for “Nurses Week,” Twin Ports nurses call for “Keeping Nurses at the Bedside”  »