USW Local 9460

08/28/2026

This week your union negotiations committee for three days of contract talks with Essentia. We are just at the early stages of negotiations, but already some progress has been made. We are working on getting holiday pay (which is 2.5x normal rate of pay) for part time workers. Another promising area of discussion is getting at least 12 hours off in between scheduled shifts (unless by mutual agreement to do otherwise). And we’re also working on coming up with some better definitions for casual work, and some of the issues around accessing EIB and Reserve Bank money. We go back to the table next week starting on Tuesday. We’ll continue to keep you up to date on how talks are going. Thank you for your support, and lets continue to stand together in our fight for a fair contract! https://uswlocals.org/local-9460

08/25/2026

08/21/2026

Sandstone: Our union staff will be on site at Essentia Health's Pine Medical Center this coming Monday from 12:30pm until the end of day. They'll be in the meeting room that is next to the main entrance of the facility. Stop by to talk about changes you'd like to see in your contract, ask questions and to pick up some free union bling!

08/19/2026

We have a number of upcoming conferences and other events that we're looking for volunteers to represent our union at:

There are a couple of upcoming opportunities for members of our union to represent us at important upcoming events. If you are interested in attending any of the following events below, reach out to our office at (218) 724-5223.

08/14/2026

This week we met with Essentia on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the addition of a federal mediator in the hopes of coming to a final agreement. . . https://uswlocals.org/local-9460/blog/aug-13-red-book-negotiations-update

08/12/2026

Show your support for the Essentia Health and Aspirus workers who are currently in contract negotiations by displaying a union yard sign! We have on hand a number of signs that say "Support Union Health Care Workers". They come with the metal rods for installing them in your yard, or you can forgo the rods and display it in your window. You can pick one up at the union office M-F anytime from 9am to 5pm. Our office is at 2002 London Road #206 in Duluth. Get yours today!

08/10/2026

Today Essentia Health sent a message out to all Red Book members about current contract negotiations. The Union Negotiating Committee has issued a response, correcting the company's distortions:

Essentia sent you a letter. Here's the rest of the story.You received a message from Essentia today, one day before mediation. We're glad they're talking about these proposals — because now everyone can see them. But their letter leaves out the one thing that determines whether any of it protects ...

08/07/2026

Essentia and Aspirus tech workers marched in the West Duluth parade yesterday to raise awareness about their ongoing contract fights at those two employers. Thank you to everyone who joined the contingent, and who cheered us on!

08/05/2026

Just a reminder that this Thursday our union is marching in the Spirit Valley Days Parade. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness about our contract fights at Essentia and Aspirus. If you're planning on attending, RSVP by emailing the office at [email protected].

08/04/2026

A number of state legislators, county commissioners and city councilors, on both sides of the state line, have issued public statements in support of the tech workers at both Essentia Health and Aspirus who are currently in contract negotiations. We very much appreciate the support. At this link you can read each of the letters:

A number of state legislators, county commisioners and city councilors, on both sides of the state line, have issued public statements in support of the tech workers at both Essentia Health and Aspirus who are currently in contract negotiations. We very much appreciate the support. Below are links t...