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Logan Health Primary Care Providers Seek Union Formation

Nearly 60 primary care providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, employed at Logan Health clinics in Northwestern Montana, have officially filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) aiming to unionize under the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD). This significant step stems from ongoing concerns regarding critical staffing shortages that have been affecting the quality of patient care.

In an unexpected move following the union filing, Logan Health announced plans to recruit ten new full-time equivalents (FTE) by January 15, 2026. This development indicates a positive response to long-standing staffing issues brought up repeatedly by healthcare staff without any feedback from leadership until now.

Dr. Stuart Bussey, President of UAPD, addressed the timing of Logan Health's hiring announcement, stating, "For years, providers have sought changes through proper channels with no response. It’s no coincidence that we see action only after filing for unionization. With a union, providers gain the necessary influence to make sure Logan Health addresses our staffing concerns seriously. We now need to negotiate a binding contract that defines terms and conditions required to implement real transformations for our staffing needs."

Although Logan Health has not specified whether these new positions will be clinical roles or support staff, the urgency highlighted by the providers signifies an important need for collaborative work with leadership to develop long-term solutions that enhance patient access to vital healthcare services in cities like Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Lakeside, and Big Fork.

A physician involved in the movement remarked, “Primary care is the backbone of our healthcare system, yet the current pressure is pushing providers to their limits. We are unionizing to ensure our voices are heard in decisions impacting our patients. When we feel supported, our patients benefit directly.” This sentiment speaks volumes about the commitment of these providers to returning to a patient-centered, sustainable model of care, emphasizing the need for compassion, respect, and partnership.

The petitioners argue that forming a union is crucial for ensuring that primary care providers have a seat at the decision-making table, especially concerning their ability to deliver high-quality care. Chronic understaffing in clinics has raised significant concerns among providers, including:

• - Patient Access: Inadequate staffing affects appointment availability and wait times, diminishing providers' ability to deliver comprehensive care.
• - Quality of Healthcare Services: Providers strive to develop trust with patients and deliver thorough examinations. However, current staffing ratios limit the available time for individual patient consultations, hindering the overall care experience.
• - Sustainable Workloads: Without clear caps on patient panel sizes, many providers manage an average of five new patients each day on top of existing panels, causing extreme strain and pushing experienced providers towards burnout.

An advanced practice provider shared, “As frontline primary care professionals, our commitment to our patients and community runs deep. However, bottlenecks within Logan Health make it increasingly challenging to deliver the quality of care that our patients deserve. Stability, support, and respect for our roles will ensure retention and improved patient outcomes.”

The NLRB is set to review the petition and determine the election method shortly. As the situation unfolds, it’s clear that this movement marks a crucial juncture for healthcare providers at Logan Health, potentially influencing how such institutions approach staffing and patient care in the future.

About the Union of American Physicians and Dentists

The Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) was established in 1972 and stands as the largest bicoastal union for licensed physicians and advanced practice clinicians nationwide. Representing over 7,000 healthcare practitioners across both public and private sectors, UAPD, affiliated with AFSCME and the AFL-CIO, advocates for the betterment of medicine and provider strength within the labor movement. For more information, visit www.uapd.com.