Striking Essentia nurses in Duluth claim 'threats of violence' from supervisor
Essentia Health nurses in the Twin Ports have reported "threatening and retaliatory behavior" by a "direct supervisor" relating to recent strike action.
The allegations were shared in a statement by the Minnesota Nurses Association on behalf of workers at clinics in Superior and 3rd Street in Duluth, with the union claiming Essentia was informed of the actions on June 26.
According to the MNA, the supervisor "stated that he wanted to take his paintball gun and shoot nurses on strike," and also allegedly said during a strike demonstration by nurses that he could "run down picketers now."
"These are not isolated comments. They are part of a pattern of hostility, retaliation, and workplace intimidation,” said Essentia Health registered nurse Kiera Simmons, in the MNA statement. "Essentia has had this information for over three weeks. Their continued silence places our members at risk and signals a failure of leadership."
In a response to Bring Me The News over the weekend, Essentia said that it will "thoroughly review and take appropriate action" in response to the allegations.
"The safety and well-being of our patients and colleagues is always Essentia Health’s highest priority. Essentia will not condone intimidation or retaliation, and we take all allegations seriously," it said.
"We will thoroughly review and take appropriate action. Personnel information in these matters is private – a fact that the union knows. In accordance with the law, we will share additional information as deemed appropriate."
The MNA is calling on the supervisor to be removed from all supervisory duties and be subject to a "thorough investigation.'
While a contract agreement was reached between Essentia and unionized workers to avoid industrial action earlier this month, an Unfair Labor Practice strike is ongoing involving Essentia Advanced Practice Providers (APP) and clinic workers in the Twin Ports.
The Star Tribune reports that Essentia is challenging the legitimacy of the strike to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), arguing the 400 APPs are unable to bargain as a single unit.
