Postponed—but Not Silenced: UnityPoint Nurses Stand Strong Amid Union Vote Delay

Nurses at UnityPoint Health facilities in Iowa are pushing to unionize, drawing widespread support from the community as they seek to change their working conditions for the better. Their campaign centers on persistent concerns about staffing levels, challenging work environments, and the desire for a stronger collective voice in decisions that directly impact patient care. These issues are not unique to UnityPoint—nurses across the nation continue to grapple with similar challenges, and more are stepping up to advocate for systemic change.

Last week, UnityPoint nurses and their supporters gathered outside the health system’s corporate office, urging UnityPoint leadership to be a “responsible employer” and eschew anti-union tactics. As one nurse said, “We want improved working conditions, more support, and a greater voice in patient care decisions. This isn’t just about us—this is about ensuring we can provide the best possible care for our patients.” UnityPoint’s official response has been measured, expressing a commitment to staff value and open communication, but stopping short of supporting or opposing the unionization drive.

Update: Union Vote Postponed

A union vote scheduled for October 5-7 for nurses at four UnityPoint Health hospitals in central Iowa has been postponed indefinitely as a result of the federal government shutdown, UnityPoint Health confirmed. The National Labor Relations Board, which oversees workplace union votes, issued a notice about the indefinite delay and has not specified when the election might be rescheduled. This affects approximately 2,000 nurses at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Methodist West Hospital, and Blank Children’s Hospital, who were set to vote on joining Teamsters Local 90.

UnityPoint nurses began their unionization campaign in November, motivated by a desire for competitive wages, safe staffing levels, and affordable health insurance. UnityPoint Health acknowledged the process has been stressful and time-consuming, stating: “Given the disruption caused by the election and its indefinite delay, we are focused more than ever on working together to care for our patients, families, communities, and each other through our strong values and our collaborative culture.” A union spokesperson confirmed the postponement but did not provide further comment.

The National Unionization Wave

UnityPoint’s union push reflects a national trend. The National Labor Relations Board recently reported a significant surge in union petitions across healthcare, with filings up by more than a third since before the pandemic. The underlying reasons stretch beyond wages; staffing shortages, burnout, and concerns about patient safety are top motivators for nurse-led organizing efforts.

Data suggest that unionization benefits nurses and patient care alike. A recent review found unionized nursing units experience significantly lower turnover and higher job satisfaction compared to non-unionized colleagues. Research even links better nurse staffing ratios, often championed by unions, to lower patient mortality rates and improved health outcomes.

As labor relations expert Rebecca Givan notes, “When nurses organize, they’re often focused on patient safety standards and professional practice conditions as much as economic issues.” Unions can provide a critical platform for nurses to collectively advocate for improvements in their work environments and patient care standards.

Burnout, Staffing, and Systemic Change

Burnout continues to be a major issue in healthcare. Surveys in 2025 confirm that over 60% of nurses report feeling burned out, with stress and overwork cited as the most pressing challenges. Nearly 40% are considering leaving the profession within the next five years. These stressors—exacerbated by possible lingering effects of the pandemic—are likely a driving force behind growing union activity, with nurses demanding safer staffing levels, improved conditions, and the resources needed for quality care.

Union efforts can bring workplace improvements, but not all nurses or hospital leaders agree on the best path forward. Some managers caution that unionization may introduce new rules or processes that limit flexibility or slow changes on the unit. Others worry about the risk of strikes, which, while rare, can create possible patient care disruptions and organizational challenges. Conversations about unionization are complex, often involving passionate debates about autonomy, collaboration, and the balance of power between nurses and hospital administration.

What Comes Next for UnityPoint—and All Nurses

As of October 2025, UnityPoint’s union vote has been postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, with nearly 2,000 nurses waiting for a chance to make their voices heard. The campaign has sparked broader conversations among healthcare workers about the need for solidarity, documentation of workplace concerns, and the value of community support in advocacy efforts.

For nurses considering their own organization efforts, labor experts recommend documenting workplace issues, knowing workplace rights, building a unified team, and engaging the public. These strategies help ensure that nurse-led movements remain focused on the core goal: delivering high-quality care in safe, supportive environments for both patients and providers.

In the big picture, UnityPoint’s union campaign seems to be a part of a national movement, reflecting nurses’ determination to address the issues impacting the profession. Whether this leads to a stronger, unified nursing workforce or introduces new debates, one thing is certain—nurses are raising their voices for the changes that matter most to them and their patients.

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