DEER RIVER — Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association reached a new 3-year labor agreement for nurses in Deer River.
The labor contract covers about 40 nurses and will be effective through September 30, 2029.
Members voted to ratify the contract after negotiations Wednesday, Sept. 3. The union stated it secured around 40 changes to the contract. Those include wage increases, limiting consecutive working time to 16 hours, time off to attend school conferences and clear communication for nurses picking up shifts.
“We appreciate the commitment and collaboration demonstrated by both bargaining teams throughout these negotiations,” stated Rhonda Kazik, chief nurse executive at Essentia. “This agreement addresses important priorities for our organization, recognizes the valuable contributions of our nurses and supports our ability to provide high-quality care to our patients in Deer River.”
The agreement marks the eighth labor contract successfully negotiated across Essentia Health’s network in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin this year, according to a news release.
“The agreement became final after nurses reviewed and voted to ratify the tentative agreement, underscoring the importance of bedside nurses having a direct and democratic voice,” the Minnesota Nurses Association wrote in its statement.
“Deer River nurses remain committed to advancing patient care and having a collective voice at the bargaining table. Nurses will continue to use their seat at the table to advocate for their patients, the advancement of the profession and the community as a whole.”
