Essentia Health, based in Duluth, Minn., is transitioning recreational therapists into related behavioral health technician roles at Essentia Health-Duluth.
The change will affect the equivalent of five full-time positions and does not involve layoffs or reductions in pay, a health system spokesperson told Becker’s. The system said in a statement the shift is designed to ensure more consistent staffing to support patients and colleagues.
United Steelworkers Local 94-60 said eight recreational therapists are affected, ABC affiliate WDIO reported March 3. The union held an informational picket outside St. Mary’s Medical Center in response to the staffing changes. The changes shift recreational therapists from designing and providing activity-based treatment plans to focusing on behavioral management, daily monitoring and safety.
The union also filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board protesting the decision.
Essentia Health said it respects employees’ right to hold an informational picket and will continue to move through the process in accordance with its contract.
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