MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Members of the Doctors Council at Allina Health announced the filing of a 10-day strike notice, which is the first time in Minnesota history physicians in the state have gone on strike.
READ MORE: Allina union doctors hold picket calling for fair contract, better patient care
Allina Doctors Council strike notice
What they’re saying:
The union announced that a one-day strike will happen on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
Members will be picketing at three clinics: The Allina Coon Rapids Clinic, the Allina West St. Paul Clinic and the Allina Richfield Clinic.
“If we don’t this, what we’re looking at is taking what Allina is offering, taking what’s on the table,” said Dr. Matt Hoffman, a family doctor at the Allina Vadnais Heights Clinic. “And really the fear of that it, is that if we do that, we are going to see primary care continue to get worse at Allina.”
Doctors Council SEIU is accusing Allina Health of unfair labor practices, saying that a lot of changes made over the years negatively impact patient care.
The council said the decision to hand off all outpatient lab work to a provider based in New Jersey caused major patient disruptions. Allina Health responded by saying it was an effort to improve patient care, address staffing shortages and save money.
The union consists of 600 doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.
Allina Health is set to close four of its clinics in and around the Twin Cities metro, including clinics in Inver Grove Heights, Maplewood, Nicollet Mall and Oakdale, on Nov. 1, 2025.
Another clinic in Chaska is set to close on Feb. 1, 2026.
READ MORE: Allina Health, Mayo Clinic to close facilities in Minnesota
Allina Health statement
The other side:
Allina Health released the following statement:
“Allina Health is disappointed Doctors Council SEIU-represented Primary Care and Urgent Care providers are deciding to engage in a strike instead of meaningful negotiations at the bargaining table. The bargaining table is where a responsible path forward for all parties can be found, and we have two bargaining sessions scheduled before the one-day strike is planned to occur.
“Allina Health is prepared to continue providing safe care to meet the needs of our communities during the one-day strike. Patient care is our top priority, and our goal is to minimize disruption for our patients. If there are changes to appointments, we will contact patients directly.
“While we have made substantial progress on a number of issues, the union’s request for significant compensation increases and extreme benefits proposals are simply not realistic or sustainable. Given the rising health care insurance costs, the ongoing financial challenges for health care providers and anticipated reductions in reimbursements and programs like Medicaid, we cannot agree to a contract that will add significant new costs and will undermine our ability to operate and serve the community.”
The Source: This story uses information gathered from statements released by the Allina Doctors Council
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