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Essentia Health advanced practice providers urge city to press for bargaining and remove non-competes
Summary
Amanda Neman, an advanced practice provider with Essentia Health's East Market region, told the council APs voted to unionize but say Essentia has refused to recognize the union and that restrictive non-compete clauses limit staffing and patient access.
Amanda Neman identified herself as an advanced practice provider with Essentia Health’s East Market region and told the Baxter City Council she was speaking on behalf of APs in the region.
Neman said APs in her region won a union election certified by the National Labor Relations Board more than a year ago, but she said Essentia is refusing to recognize the union and begin bargaining in good faith. “By refusing to bargain, Essentia is putting safe staffing, respectful workplaces, and patient care at risk,” she told the council.
She also raised concerns about restrictive non-compete clauses, saying the contracts can prevent APs from volunteering or taking work in nearby communities when specialties are temporarily closed at Essentia facilities. Neman argued those clauses delay patient access to needed specialty care and contribute to staff turnover and burnout.
Neman asked elected officials and community members to hold Essentia accountable and urged the council to support efforts that would allow APs a voice at the bargaining table. There was no recorded response from Essentia or from city staff during public comment.
Joanne Breahan accompanied Neman to the podium and was identified as a practitioner colleague.
