Advanced Practice Providers at Essentia Health’s East Market held a press conference to announce their vote to form a union represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association on Tuesday July 23.

The Essentia East Market extends in Minnesota from Brainerd north to International Falls and Duluth and east to Ashland and Hayworth in Wisconsin.

The election was delayed for months as Essentia challenged the composition of the proposed bargaining unit through the legal process laid out by the NLRB. Supporters of forming a union were ultimately successful and the healthcare workers held their election in July. 

“We’re looking forward to protecting those things that work really well for us right now,” said Kelly Higgins a Physician Assistant at Essentia Health. “We’re also hoping to make some changes to make things even better. “

Essentia Health states that they plan to seek an appeal of the National Labor Relations Board regional Director’s decision.

“A disappointing outcome for us, for sure,” said Tony Loken Community Relations, Essentia Health. “We’re trying to focus on keeping our patients at the center. This could make it very challenging for people to access the care that they need when and where they need it. “