P.Moraski

A group of nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association gathered outside the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) on October 7 to protest what they describe as unfair treatment and retaliation by Essentia Health toward its employees.

The protest happened during an Essentia Health leadership conference that was being held inside the DECC. Nurses say they wanted their message to reach top executives directly — that Essentia needs to respect workers’ rights, recognize their union, and stop what they call “anti-worker tactics.”

According to the MNA, the demonstration was short — lasting about ten minutes — and was peaceful.

Union members said they were frustrated but wanted to send a clear message about what they believe is Essentia’s refusal to recognize its advanced practice providers’ union, even after a National Labor Relations Board ruling affirmed their right to organize.

Nurses also claim some employees have faced retaliation for supporting union efforts, including changes to work schedules and intimidation by management. The MNA says these actions only make health care jobs harder at a time when hospitals are already short-staffed and morale is low.

Essentia officials responded by calling the protest “unacceptable,” saying it disrupted the event and made some staff and attendees uncomfortable. The DECC has since announced that it is reviewing its internal policies after reports that some people felt followed or harassed during the protest.

The nurses’ association disputes those reports, saying members did not threaten anyone and that they followed DECC staff instructions. MNA representatives said their intent was to hold Essentia accountable for how it treats its employees and to raise public awareness about the ongoing labor issues.

The DECC, which serves as both a public venue and private rental facility, is reviewing how it manages events involving protest activity. Officials said they plan to clarify future guidelines to ensure all guests feel safe and respected while still allowing freedom of expression.

This protest is part of a larger wave of nurse activism across Minnesota and the nation. Health care workers continue to speak out about burnout, staffing shortages, and what they say are corporate decisions that put profits ahead of patient care.

Nurses say the fight isn’t about politics or publicity — it’s about respect, fair treatment, and the ability to provide safe care for their patients. As one MNA member said after the protest, “We love our work, and we want to be heard. When we stand up, we’re standing up for our patients, too.”