Essentia Health receives notice of Advanced Practice Providers intent to strike

By WDIO

Essentia Health says they have received a formal notice from the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) on Monday, June 30, stating the union’s intent to bring Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) out on strike on July 10. APPs include more than 400 nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists across hospitals throughout Northern Minnesota.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand how the role of advanced practice providers has expanded. We’re seeing more patients managing more complex care and filling critical gaps in the healthcare system. Despite this growing responsibility, APPs have been excluded from meaningful participation in decisions that directly impact our work. And we need to be at the table to address how we can better care for our patients and improve our working conditions,” said Sara McCumber, APP Group Leader for the Minnesota Nurses Association.

The MNA’s announcement follows a separate announcement last week where they stated that nurses are filing a 10-day notice to strike with Essentia Health, Aspirus-St. Luke’s, and six other clinic facilities that would begin on July 8.

As per a representative from Essentia, the health system has contested the MNA’s proposed APP bargaining unit as contrary to the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) Health Care rule. They state this has historically separated hospital from clinic staff for the purposes of collective bargaining.

A statement from Essentia further stated that the system received the notice as it is exercising its legal right to a review by the NLRB.

“Advanced practice providers are a vital part of caring for communities not just in the Twin Ports but across our rural footprint in central and northern Minnesota” said Dr. Krista Skorupa, East Market President for Essentia Health. “A strike will not speed up the legal review process. At a time when rural health care is facing pronounced challenges, patients need more predictability not less. Over the next coming days, we will maintain our focus on our work to ensure care remains accessible and close to home across the communities we serve.”

The notice regarding APPs only applies to Essentia Health, however as previously stated, the seperate notice of intent to strike on behalf of nurses was sent to Essentia Health, Aspirus-St. Luke’s, and six other clinic facilities.