Hundreds of doctors, physicians' assistants and nurse practitioners with Allina Health are holding a one-day unfair labor practices strike on Wednesday in the Twin Cities.

Members of Doctors Council - SEIU planned to picket at 60 Allina clinic and urgent care locations in Coon Rapids, West St. Paul and Richfield, as well as its south Minneapolis headquarters.

The group of over 600 health care workers voted to form a union in October 2023, and has been bargaining for a first contract since February 2024. The union believes Wednesday's strike is the largest of its kind.

The union said it has met with Allina nearly 50 times with the intention of reaching an agreement that "ensures their work is valued, they have safe working conditions and their voice is heard." No deal was reached at the latest bargaining session on Tuesday, so the union confirmed its intention to strike.  

"Since at least 10 years ago, but especially since COVID, our staff has been completely gutted, and since that time, our ability to stand up for what our patients need, our voices have just been completely ignored," Elizabeth Ezell, a physician's assistant at the West St. Paul clinic, said.

"The truth is that we are asking for benefits that are standard in many labor contracts, including contracts Allina has with other labor groups," Dr. Cora Walsh said.

Doctors said they are burned out, that they're simply asking for fair compensation that keeps up with inflation, along with benefits like paid sick and vacation time. 

On Wednesday, Allina Health said it was "disappointed that some of our clinic providers are choosing to engage in a one-day strike and stepping away from caring for their patients."

"With the cost of care climbing for patients and health care systems and anticipated cuts in government funding, it would be irresponsible for either party to agree to a contract that adds significant new expenses that will undermine access and increase costs to those who pay for care," the company's statement read. "As we continue negotiations with the union, we remain focused on our priority of delivering high-quality, accessible care to the communities we serve."  

Dr. Matt Hoffman told WCCO last month the union decided to strike for just one day to minimize the impact on their patients.  

"We certainly recognize that our patients are going to be affected by this strike. However, if we don't strike, we are accepting more cuts to primary care," he said. "And we certainly feel that in the long run, these cuts will undoubtedly affect patients much more than any strike."

Over the summer, union members overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike if they deemed it necessary. 

Both sides say they are committed to continued talks to reach an agreement.

Allina said it has plans to minimize disruptions and will contact patients directly if there are changes to appointments.