MINNEAPOLIS — Editors note: This video aired on May 4, 2023.
Healthcare workers with the Allina Health System voted to unionize Friday in what is described as what is now the largest private-sector union for clinicians in the country.
The union, represented by Doctors Council SEIU Local 10MD, includes about 550 physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work at Allina clinics. The company is based in Minneapolis but has clinics all across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
According to the National Labor Relations Board, the vote to unionize was 325 to 200.
The Doctors Council SEIU said in a press release that healthcare professionals say consistent understaffing was leading to burnout and putting patient safety at risk.
"At an adequately staffed clinic, you have enough support to help take some of that workload. When staff levels fall, that work doesn't go away," said Dr. Cora Walsh in the press release.
Allina released a statement following the vote to unionize.
"Allina Health is first and foremost deeply appreciative of the exceptional care our providers deliver to patients every day. We are also proud of our ongoing work regarding employee well-being. Allina Health has been nationally recognized as one of the top places to work in health care, with special attention for our efforts to support employee mental health," the company stated.
"While we are disappointed in the decision by some of our providers to be represented by a union, we remain committed to our ongoing work to create a culture where all employees feel supported and valued. Our focus now is on moving forward to ensure the best interests of our employees, patients and the communities we serve."
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