Allina Health Workers to Strike on November 5 Over Contract Disputes
Doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners affiliated with Allina Health are set to conduct a one-day strike on November 5, 2023, in response to ongoing labor disputes. Over 600 healthcare workers have been negotiating for a first contract with the Doctors Council – SEIU since February 2024, following their decision to form a union in October 2023.
The union claims that it has engaged in nearly 50 meetings with Allina Health in hopes of finalizing an agreement that recognizes the value of their work, ensures safe working conditions, and amplifies their voices within the organization. Throughout the summer, a significant majority of union members voted to authorize a strike if they deemed it necessary, highlighting their readiness to take action to protect their interests.
On the day of the strike, healthcare workers plan to picket at Allina clinic locations in Coon Rapids, West St. Paul, and Richfield. The strike represents a culmination of frustrations regarding the negotiation process and the perceived lack of progress in addressing their concerns.
In response to the impending strike, Allina Health expressed disappointment, stating that while substantial progress has been made on various issues, the union’s demands for significant compensation increases and extensive benefit proposals are not seen as realistic or sustainable.
According to Allina Health, the rising costs of healthcare insurance, coupled with ongoing financial challenges faced by healthcare providers, have made it imperative to avoid contracts that would impose new costs that could jeopardize their ability to serve the community. The organization emphasized the importance of balancing employee compensation with the financial realities of operating within the current healthcare landscape.
As the November strike date approaches, the outcome of these labor negotiations remains uncertain. The actions taken by Allina Health workers reflect broader trends in labor relations within the healthcare sector, as employees increasingly seek fair treatment and improved conditions in a challenging economic environment.
