Nurses at Essentia’s Superior clinic want to unionize 

Nurses at a northwestern Wisconsin clinic run by Minnesota-based Essentia Health are seeking to unionize.

Essentia Health St. Mary’s-Superior Clinic nurses have organized and filed for an election vote. They’re seeking representation with the Minnesota Nurses Association.

“We stand here together in solidarity to ensure that we have a seat at the table during discussions and decisions that will impact our careers and subsequently our patients,” Dana Bukovich, a registered nurse, said in a statement.

The nurses filed for elections with the National Labor Relations Board last week, with dates set to be determined. Minnesota Nurses Association spokesperson Amber Smigiel said the clinic has about 18 nurses.

Tony Matt, Essentia Health spokesperson, said they respect their colleagues’ rights to consider unionization.

“We are encouraging our Superior Clinic nurses to continue working directly with us to create the best work environment,” he said. “We will follow the petition process and share information that helps our nurses make an informed, personal choice about unionization.”

Advanced practice providers serving Essentia’s east market, which includes parts of northwest Wisconsin, filed for an election last year too. Mail ballots were sent out Monday to around 425 advanced practice providers with a due date of July 22, Smigiel said.

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