DEER RIVER — Union members at Essentia Health-Deer River announced their intent to go on strike for a second time starting Monday, Dec. 9.
Service Employees International Union announced the intent to strike Monday morning, unless an agreement is reached before next week. The next bargaining session is set for Wednesday.
The union and Essentia have been bargaining since August. In the announcement, SEIU said the health care organization is "refusing to back off key issues," including "sub-standard" wages, which it says are, on average, 5% less than other employers. The union also points to the company allowing non-unit workers to "float in to do work," which it said would hurt longtime union workers.
The union represents 70 workers at the hospital and attached nursing home. It first went on a five-day strike in early November. This strike does not have a set length.
Sarah Roberts has worked in health care for over 20 years, has been a certified surgical technician at Deer River for nearly three years and is a member of the union’s bargaining team. She said they aren't even close to competitive wages.
"We do the same work as other facilities and are tired of not getting paid the same," Roberts said in the announcement. "We felt so supported by the community and other unions during our November strike, but clearly we aren't feeling that same level of support from our employer with so little movement at the bargaining table.
"We’ve seen such a reduction in staffing levels and are so overworked. It is unacceptable that we are so undervalued. It seems like in order for them to take us seriously we are having to take this step to file for this [unfair labor practice] strike."
In an emailed statement, Essentia said it is disappointed the union decided to strike instead of "making meaningful progress toward a resolution."
"Focusing on solutions at the bargaining table — and not the picket line — is the most productive approach for everyone involved, including our community," an Essentia Health spokesperson said. "Essentia Health is committed to reaching an agreement that recognizes the contributions of our valued colleagues in Deer River while also preserving access to excellent health care close to home for our patients.
"Ensuring access to care in rural communities is increasingly challenging, and we encourage the SEIU to work with us toward a sustainable contract that maintains local care for all those who rely on it.”
