University of Minnesota Residents Explore Unionizing

March 27, 2025

On March 24, nearly 1,000 residents at the University of Minnesota filed to unionize with the SEIU’s (Service Employees International Union) Committee of Interns and Residents, which is the country’s largest union of trainee physicians, representing more than 34,000 interns, residents, and fellows.   

This comes just days after residents at Hennepin Healthcare filed for union recognition. Both groups say they are understaffed and underpaid. 

Both the University of Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare released statements saying the physician trainees are valued and the organizations recognize the trainees right to organize.  

The University of Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare residents are following a growing trend toward unionization of physicians in Minnesota.  

In 2023, more than 500 primary/urgent care physicians, physician assistants and advanced practice providers at Allina Health voted to unionize.  Also in 2023, Allina physicians at Mercy and Unity Hospitals held a vote to unionize with the Doctors Council Service Employees International Union. In early 2024, the National Labor Relations Board certified the results for 130 physicians. 

“The MMA recognizes the right of physicians and physicians-in-training to have their voices heard, including engaging in collective bargaining, consistent with state and/or federal law,” said MMA President Edwin Bogonko, MD, MBA. “Are physician unions the best response to current pressures and forces that are overwhelming many of us? That's a question each physician will need to make for themselves, considering their own circumstances.”