Doctors at Logan Health clinics plan to unionize

Nearly 60 primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants working at Logan Health clinics in Northwest Montana have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, they announced Thursday.

That includes five physicians and two physician assistants that work in Logan Health clinics in Columbia Falls; one on Talbott Road and one on U.S. Highway 2 near Super 1 Foods.

The physicians, who were not named in a release, claimed that “they are trying to bring back what medicine used to be: less corporate, more personal, and grounded in the genuine relationships between patients and their providers.”

“We are aware that a group of primary care physicians and advanced practice providers have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board  seeking to create a collective bargaining unit to represent them,” Cory Short, DO, Chief Medical Officer of Logan Health Medical Center said in a response sent to the Hungry Horse News. “We value our employees and respect their legal rights to make their own individual decisions in this process, and will fully comply with all NLRB procedures.  As Chief Medical Officer of Logan Health Medical Center, I believe that the best way to address concerns and deliver on our mission is through direct, open and trusted communication between employees and our management team. I remain fully committed to that approach and the commitment to our system’s mission of providing compassionate care to every patient we serve.”

In response to the providers intent to unionize, Logan Health announced its plans to hire 10 full-time equivalent employees across clinic locations by Jan. 15, 2026, the union claimed. 

“This is the first concrete action to address the staffing concerns that providers have been raising for years without a meaningful response,” the union claimed.

“For years, providers have been asking for these changes through the proper channels with no action from leadership. Then, on the day they file to unionize, Logan Health suddenly announces a hiring plan. It’s no coincidence,” said Dr. Stuart Bussey, UAPD President in a release. “With a union, providers have the power to ensure Logan Health listens and follows through. Now it’s time to negotiate a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions needed to solve these problems—not just promises made in response to a union filing.”

The other clinics are in Kalispell, Lakeside and Bigfork.

 “Primary care is the foundation of our healthcare system, but right now, providers are being pushed to the breaking point. We’re coming together to unionize because we need a real voice in the decisions that directly affect our patients. When providers are supported, patients benefit,” said a physician who wasn’t named in a release. “What we want is to return to a more sustainable, patient-centered model of care that reflects the Planetree principles of compassion, respect, and partnership.”

Union communications manager Vivi Le said the union expects a hearing and an election as early as January or February, provided Logan Health doesn’t contest the measure.