A note from Dr. Krista Skorupa:
I’d like to provide you with important information about Section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), in response to some comments we’ve heard.
Organizers from, and supporters of, the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) have reportedly been trying to convince Essentia Health APPs that the health system could make unplanned changes to APP compensation even in light of the union’s petition for election. Specifically, MNA organizers and their supporters have reportedly been saying, “Essentia can do whatever they want and could adjust APP compensation if they wanted to…they are just using the MNA’s petition as an excuse.” Of course, this statement is not true.
Below please find a document that provides more information about the NLRA and, specifically, Section 8(a)(1) of the act, which prohibits employers from making any changes to terms and conditions of employment that were not already fully planned prior to a petition for election being filed. We not only have provided the text of the law, but also included cases in which the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has upheld charges filed against employers for making unplanned changes to employees’ terms and conditions of employment after a petition filling.
I hope this information helps you better understand why Essentia Health cannot address concerns related to compensation at this time. If you have any other questions, please reach out to me or share your questions with your leader or HR business partner.
Dr. Krista Skorupa
Interim East Market President
Status of the MNA’s petition as of March 10, 2024:
The MNA’s petition is still under review by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NLRB called a hearing to determine if the bargaining unit in the MNA petition is appropriate. It currently does not conform with the NLRB’s “health care rule,” which separates acute and ambulatory staff.
The hearing ended Wednesday, March 6. Please see the flyer below with more information about the reason for the hearing and next steps.
A message from Dr. Gratia Pitcher:
As part of our ongoing dialogue about the Minnesota Nurses Association’s (MNA) campaign to unionize East Market Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), we’ve held voluntary meetings to provide information and listen to you. These meetings have been invaluable to learn from each other and discuss how unionization may impact our work experience and our patients.
One thing I want to make clear is that we hear you and we understand the issues that are important to you. We also want to continue this dialogue and answer any questions you may have.
This pdf is to let you know we are aligned in a common understanding of what APPs want and deserve in terms of their work experience. We understand why you are frustrated, but we firmly believe collective bargaining is not the answer. We need your willingness to give us an opportunity to continue working directly with you. If you have any questions, please reach out to me, your leader or your HR business partner. Thank you for all you do.
Get the information you need to make an informed, personal decision about union representation.
You have rights in this election, and we want to make sure you know them.
What will this mean for you? For your schedule and flexibility? What happens next? Find out here.