A group of over 150 Allina Health doctors in the Twin Cities has filed a 10-day unfair labor practice strike notice, their union said on Friday.
The group includes hospitalists, OB-GYNs, psychiatrists and critical care physicians at Mercy Hospital, which has campuses in the north metro communities of Fridley and Coon Rapids. According to Doctors Council-SEIU, the notice comes after three years of negotiations between the union and the nonprofit health system that failed to produce a first contract.
Doctors Council-SEIU says the group, which received union recognition in early 2024, is seeking better working conditions, including sick leave and time off, and a “greater say in patient care.”Our union is a platform for our collective voice that can be heard at every level.”
“We formed this union so we can openly and effectively advocate for our patients in ways that count,” Dr. Alia Sharif, an internal medical physician at Mercy Hospital – Unity Campus in Fridley, said in a written statement.
The group is planning to strike for four days, from Sept. 14 through Sept. 17. According to the union, 91% of members voted in June to authorize it.
Allina Health, in response to the notice, said in a written statement Friday night:
“Allina Health is disappointed some Mercy Hospital physicians – those represented by Doctors Council SEIU – are deciding to engage in a strike instead of meaningful negotiations at the bargaining table. Strikes do not benefit anyone and have the potential to disrupt care at extremely busy hospitals that are absolutely vital to delivering care in the northwest metro.
“Our next negotiation session is Sept. 9, and we remain hopeful we can reach an agreement that responsibly recognizes the important role our physicians play while maintaining Allina Health’s long-term sustainability and our ability to provide affordable care to the communities we serve.
“We’re committed to ensuring safe care continues throughout the duration of the strike. As we get closer to the strike date, we will contact patients directly if there are any scheduling changes.”
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