Essentia Health recognizes the USW Local 9460 Main Unit (Greenbook) as the union representing more than 1,000 employees in the East market. Essentia Health values the contributions of each of our valued colleagues, including those represented by the USW Main Unit in Duluth and Superior. These colleagues bring a diverse and important skillset as we all work to make a healthy difference in the lives of those who entrust us with their care. Please visit this website regularly for updates on the negotiations.

Bargaining Update 5/8/24

Session dates: May 7-8
Bargaining sessions: 3 and 4

Essentia Health and the United Steelworkers Main Unit “Greenbook” continued negotiations with two sessions on May 7 and May 8, 2024. The conversations were thoughtful and productive. Essentia appreciates the Union’s willingness to listen to our proposals and to consider the benefits of our proposals for their members, as well as the positive impact the proposals have on our ability to continue providing quality care for the patients who depend on us.

Highlights of the discussions:

Tuesday, May 7:

  • Essentia’s bargaining team provided three counter-proposals, one new proposal, and held on three proposals. The Union provided two counter-proposals.
  • Essentia introduced a proposal on cross-facility cooperation. We emphasized that to serve our patients, it’s important to find ways to maximize the organization’s resources and increase flexibility in the assignment of staff based on need and priority. Essentia provided clarification about its position over the process of reducing hours based on need and the reallocation of staff resources to calibrate staffing levels.

Wednesday, May 8:

  • Essentia provided two counter-proposals, withdrew one proposal, and held on three proposals. The Union provided two counter-proposals, withdrew one proposal, and held on one proposal.
  • Discussion continued on the topics covered on Tuesday, with Essentia addressing its definition of inter-departmental staff exchanges and clarifying its position on the process of using alternative work assignments instead of reducing hours.
  • The parties deferred discussion of economic proposals until the next session scheduled for May 30.

Several tentative agreements were reached during our May 7-8 sessions:

  • Vision Insurance
  • Leave of Absence
  • Health Programs
  • Overtime Distribution – HUC Clusters

Upcoming bargaining sessions: May 30, June 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 2024

Thank you for reading the bargaining update, and we will continue to share information as negotiations progress.

 

Bargaining Update 4/18/24

Session date: April 16 & 17, 2024
Bargaining sessions: 1 and 2

Essentia Health and the United Steelworkers Main Unit “Greenbook” (USW Main) began negotiations with two productive sessions on April 16 and 17, 2024. The parties approached the meetings positively with both parties hoping to reach a mutually acceptable contract agreement as soon as possible. The current collective bargaining agreement expires June 30, 2024.

Highlights of the discussions:

  • The Union shared the priorities of their members, including discussing the effect of the Welcome Project on PARS; effect of Medical Lab Assistant career pathing on phlebotomists; and floating of clinical assistants across the Twin Ports.
  • Essentia thanked the Union for its transparency and made it clear that the colleagues represented by the USW Main unit are valued by our organization. We are eager to reach an agreement that continues to provide good jobs with competitive pay and benefits, provides quality and compassionate care for our patients, and promotes stewardship for our organization.
  • The Union presented their initial non-economic proposals (10 total).
  • Essentia presented its initial non-economic proposals (13 total).
  • Both parties exchanged responses and counterproposals on Day 1 (3 additional proposals by the Essentia).
  • Essentia provided 6 counterproposals on Day 2.
  • The Union provided 4 counterproposals, held on 2 proposals and rejected 1 proposal on Day 2.

A number of tentative agreements were reached over the following areas:

  • Overtime Distribution
  • Grievance Procedure
  • Absence for Union Activities
  • Discipline & Termination
  • Attendance Policy
  • Continuing Education
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Job Descriptions
  • Time Off for Medical Appointment
  • Union Security – Orientation

Upcoming bargaining sessions: May 7, 8, and 30, June 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 2024

In the coming weeks, we will bargain in good faith and work toward a mutually beneficial agreement that continues to recognize the important contributions of our colleagues while ensuring our ability to provide sustainable, high-quality care for our patients.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the bargaining process and what it means for USW Main Unit (Greenbook) and Essentia Health.

The current agreement covers more than 1,000 employees across the East market.

Essentia Health and the USW have entered into discussions ahead of the expiration of the current agreement on June 30, 2024.

Our USW Main Unit agreement expires on June 30, 2024.

Essentia Health has a history of reaching successful agreements with the USW and we are committed to reaching a similar outcome with employees represented by the USW’s Main Unit contract.

We also remain committed to providing seamless, high-quality care to our patients and their families while we work through the bargaining process.

Essentia Health is committed to working through a range of issues of interest to both parties in a deliberate way through the usual process of bargaining in good faith. This site will post any significant developments in negotiations.

Yes, we will continue to provide appropriate updates on the process during bargaining.

Still Have a Question?

For additional information or relevant questions not addressed here, email the Essentia Health team at bargaining@essentiahealth.org.