Primary and urgent care providers represented by Doctors Council Service Employees International Union at clinics operated by Minneapolis-based Allina Health have authorized an open-ended strike.
If scheduled, the strike would be “of whatever duration the bargaining team feels necessary to win the best possible contract,” Matt Hoffman, MD, a family medicine physician at Allina Health Vadnais Heights (Minn.) Clinic, said in a March 6 announcement video posted on the union’s Facebook page.
Doctors Council SEIU represents about 650 physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners across nearly 60 clinics. Since February 2024, Minneapolis-based Allina Health and the union have been negotiating their first labor contract.
Dr. Hoffman said that following a strike in 2025, there was progress in negotiations. However, he said that in recent months Allina has not brought forward proposals that would keep primary care and urgent care sustainable.
“We’re fighting so that our members can do their work and still have time with their loved ones,” Dr. Hoffman said. “We’re fighting for members to have assurances that if they become sick, disabled or need care for a family member, they’ll have protection. We’re asking for fair wages just to keep up with inflation.”
The union said 90% of members who voted supported authorizing another strike.
In a statement shared with Becker’s, Allina said it is disappointed the union again pursued a strike authorization vote.
“While this action does not guarantee a strike, it shifts focus away from the meaningful progress that continues at the bargaining table,” the health system said. “We continue to negotiate in good faith toward a fair, sustainable agreement that provides competitive compensation and benefits for our providers.”
Allina added that its goal remains supporting providers while protecting access to affordable care for patients and communities.
Negotiations between Allina and Doctors Council SEIU are scheduled to resume March 16.
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