Peak Vista Community Health Center votes to unionize

by: Brett Yager

Posted: Jan 2, 2025 / 07:25 PM MST

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) said more than 90 providers have won their election to unionize at Peak Vista Community Health Centers.

While the results of the election have yet to be certified by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), both the UAPD and Peak Vista Community Health Centers said the results favor unionization.

“Now that the union is in place, it is time for Peak Vista providers and administrators to come forward together with truly open dialogue. We want an environment where professionals feel safe not only sharing our concerns but our ideas on how to improve the organization,” said Dr. Heather Welfare, a pediatrician at Peak Vista.

This article was originally posted by Fox21 News.

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Welfare said providers want to have an active voice in making the Peak Vista community a place where all staff feel respected, valued, and supported in their efforts to provide care that patients deserve.

“While we respect the rights of our employees under the National Labor Relations Act, Peak Vista believes the NLRB Office in Denver made erroneous conclusions about who should be able to vote in this election. Our position remains that we believe all providers should have a say on the important question of whether to unionize as it impacts the entire environment of care. And as such, there is a process to appeal the decision, and Peak Vista intends to do so,” said Dr. Emily Ptaszek, President and CEO of Peak Vista Community Health Centers.

Dr. Ptaszek said while they work through the election, their primary focus will continue to be strengthening the relationship with their providers, and are committed to ensuring they come out of the process stronger as an organization to best fulfill its mission and the needs of its patients.