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Red Book Negotiations Update #3

The Essentia Health Red Book contract negotiations, which had been scheduled for today, have been cancelled by the company. The reason given was because of the staffing crisis brought on by the COVID surge. We'll keep you posted on when the next negotiations sessions gets scheduled.

Red Book Negotiations Update #2

Red Book Contract Negotiations Update: We spent the day in negotiations with Essentia Health. The union is very much trying to wrap up the non-economics part of this so that we can get into economics. But judging by the company's responses today we're currently world's away. Hopefully next time (Nov. 18) will go better.

St. Luke's Tech Negotiations Update #2

St. Luke's Tech Negotiations Update: Today was out fourth meeting for contract negotiations with St. Luke’s and day one of economic negotiations. After being able to wrap up non-economic (language changes) in only 3 days, we were optimistic that these negotiations would go smoother than in years past. That seems not to be the case as the Company is asking for some rather substantial concessions concerning the economic areas of the contract:
 

Nov. 17 & 18 Virtual Education Conference

The United Steelworkers is putting on a virtual education conference on Nov. 17 and 18. This is to help make up for all of the conferences and steward trainings that have been cancelled because of the pandemic. If you are a member of Local 9460 who is interested in becoming a steward, or are are interested in any of the other classes they are offering, let us know.

Essentia Health Red Book Negotiations Beginning

Today was the first day of contract negotiations for our Essentia Health Red Book contract.

This year's Red Book Negotiating Committee is made up of the following folks:
-Tuan Vu (Behavioral Health/float & Red Book Unit President)
-Jared Jank (Pharm Tech SMMC)
-Adria Molberg (CT Tech/Superior)
-Jenn Horst (surgery/Superior)
-Zac Tuominen (Behavioral Health/Miller)
-Vall Frazier (MLT/Lakeside)
-Brynn Schwab (Resp Therapist)
-Sirina Berntson (surgery/SMMC) ~ alternate
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-Deanna Hughes (Local 9460 president)
-Gene Szondy (USW Staff Rep)

St. Luke's Tech Negotiations Update #1

St. Luke's Tech Workers Update: We had our first full day of contract negotiations today between our union and St. Luke's about our Tech Workers contract. We were able to get a couple of tentative agreements on some non-economic issues. We'll be meeting again on Oct. 13 and 23 to hopefully finish up the rest of the non-economic proposals and then move into wages and other economics.
 
We also want to take this opportunity to introduce you all to the union negotiating committee.

St. Luke's Hospital Negotiations Set to Start

St. Luke's Hospital Update: Contract negotiations between the St. Luke's hospital in Duluth and the Steelworkers are going to start at the end of this month. If you'd like to talk to the union before negotiations kick off, we're inviting folks to make an appointment to come down to our office (either individuals or small groups). We are available to meet from 10am into the evening on Sept. 21, 22 and 23, or from 3-5pm on Sept. 24.

Essentia Health Green Book Wage Re-Opener

Due to the pandemic and the layoff crisis at Essentia Health, our union opted to delay the Year 3 wage re-opener for our members covered by the Green Book contract until today. After going back and forth with the company, we came to an agreement on a 2% across the board raise for all Green Book workers. You will see this raise on your September 4 paycheck, and you will be receiving retro pay at the 2% rate back to July 1.