Local 9460 pickets Essentia Health layoffs in Minnesota

Members of Local 9460 took to the streets of Duluth, Minn., last Monday for a car caravan to picket Essentia Health’s decision to lay off 900 workers during a pandemic.

The large health care system of the Iron Range, that received $42 million in recent CARES Act funds, cited canceled elective surgeries as the reason behind the decision, but Local 9460 President Deanna Hughes said this move is short-sighted and wrong.

"As we all know the surge hasn't hit yet for the COVID virus and when it does Essentia is going to need our members," said Hughes.

The caravan started at Miller Hill mall and made its way to the Essentia Health St. Mary's building on third street. Supporters who drove by “honked for health care” while those watching from the sidewalk cheered and flashed signs.

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