The Night Before the Nurses Strike

Essentia is preparing to operate once nurses start their strike this Monday, September, 12^th. This is a planned three-day work stoppage. The question of how the hospital will adapt its operation during these next three days is on everyone’s mind.

Here is what Tony Matt, Media Relations Specialist for Essentia Health has to say in regards to that,

“Essentia Health has extensive contingency plans in place to help ensure continued quality care for our patients, including uninterrupted urgent and emergency care. This includes temporarily bringing in nurses who are licensed to practice in the affected locations and redirecting qualified staff from other Essentia Health facilities to fill any needs that might arise. Our plans will allow us to continue to serve our communities with the high standards of care our patients expect from us,” says Matt.

Matt continues that he,

“Hopes that by filing this latest unfair labor practice charge, we can return our focus to the bargaining table. It’s imperative that we exhaust every option to reach a mutually acceptable agreement while we continue providing quality care for our patients.”

The horizon for the next week is blurry as nurses will begin the strike officially on Monday, September 12^th. Bargaining will continue the rest of the weekend and well into the week.

“We believe it is imperative for us to exhaust all our options in pursuit of a mutually acceptable agreement while we continue providing quality care for our patients.” says Matt.