Colorado Health System Pays $1.2M to Fired Unionizing Doctors

Peak Vista Community Health Centers settles federal labor complaint after firing 4 physicians and a nurse practitioner for union activity.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Peak Vista Community Health Centers, a Colorado healthcare system, has agreed to pay $1.2 million to settle a federal labor complaint after firing four physicians and a nurse practitioner who were involved in a unionization effort. The clinicians alleged they were terminated due to their union activity, which the health system denies. As part of the settlement, Peak Vista agreed to post notices outlining employee rights and what the company will not do to interfere with those rights.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing trend of physician unionization, particularly at community health centers that serve lower-income and underinsured populations. It also raises concerns about employers potentially surveilling and retaliating against workers for organizing efforts, which is illegal under federal labor law.

The details

The unionization drive at Peak Vista began when the health system pushed clinicians to see more patients, spend less time with them, and work more unpaid hours. Providers who raised concerns about the impact on patient care were "silenced, dismissed, or forced to resign," according to the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD). The union alleged that Peak Vista engaged in electronic surveillance of workers' communications about the unionization effort.

  • In July 2024, labor organizer Andrew Guttman received early morning text messages from the fired clinicians.
  • In January 2025, a group of Peak Vista clinicians voted to unionize, but the health system has challenged the election results.

The players

Peak Vista Community Health Centers

A Colorado healthcare system that serves about 75,000 people in the Colorado Springs area and receives grant money to treat lower-income and underinsured patients. The system has about 750 employees, including 100 medical providers.

Andrew Guttman

A labor organizer who received text messages from the fired clinicians at Peak Vista.

Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD)

The union that represented the clinicians in their organizing drive at Peak Vista.

Jaeson Fournier, DC, MPH

The president and CEO of Peak Vista Community Health Centers.

Michael C. Duff, JD

A labor specialist and law professor at Saint Louis University School of Law.

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What they’re saying

“Providers who questioned these changes or raised concerns about the impact on patient care were silenced, dismissed, or forced to resign, leaving thousands of patients without a primary care provider and creating widespread disruption across the community.”

— Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) (UAPD statement)

“By saying what the employer will 'not' do, we learn what the NLRB [National Labor Relations Board] found it did.”

— Michael C. Duff, JD, Labor specialist and law professor, Saint Louis University School of Law (Medscape Medical News)

“Do not be afraid to organize. Living in a situation where you're surveilled and dominated by bullies is no way to live.”

— Stuart Bussey, MD, President, Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) (Medscape Medical News)

What’s next

The petition for reconsideration of the labor election results remains pending with the National Labor Relations Board.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing trend of physician unionization, particularly at community health centers, and the risks employees face when organizing for better working conditions and patient care. It also underscores the need for stronger protections against employer retaliation and surveillance of workers' union activities.