A union cannot force colleagues to strike or prevent colleagues from crossing a picket line. Colleagues have the right to cross a picket line and continue working during a strike. We know the decision to cross the picket line is a personal one, and we will provide support and information for those deciding to cross.
Essentia will not tolerate discrimination, harassment or retaliation, including against any employee who chooses to cross the picket line. Everyone is expected to uphold our value of respect.
We thank the nearly half of our APPs who have shared with us they are planning to continue caring for patients during the strike. If you are choosing to continue patient care, please use this form. If you would prefer not to fill out the form, you can also tell your leader of your plans to work.
Picket protocols: It’s important to note that staff can’t go back and forth between the picket line and work. To ensure continuity of patient care, those colleagues who decide to return to work will be scheduled to work for the remainder of the strike. Returning APPs may be asked to help where patient needs are greatest but would not be asked to work in an area outside their practice scope or credentials.