Minnesota health care workers hold picket ahead of contract negotiations

More than 100 health care workers at Essentia Health in Duluth, Minn., took to the streets this past weekend for an informational picket as they enter bargaining with their employer.

The workers are members of USW Local 9460 and have been pushing Essentia to negotiate a contract since last July. Only recently has the employer made it to the table.

The Steelworkers say the company’s proposed wage increases do not reflect the health care workers’ dedication and sacrifices throughout the pandemic.

“We feel very undervalued by the company,” said Local 9460 President Deanna Hughes. “I think that Essentia needs to recognize that the community is behind their healthcare workers because these people out here are the ones who take care of all the patients in the community.”

Click here to follow Local 9460’s campaign on Facebook.

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