UnityPoint nurses' union vote faces objections from health care provider

July 31, 2026 - 21:46

The Teamsters Local 90 says nurses at UnityPoint Des Moines have voted in favor of joining the union, but the health care provider is pushing back, claiming the election was flawed. UnityPoint Health has filed formal objections with the National Labor Relations Board, which means the final outcome is not yet settled.

According to the union, the vote was close but clear, with a majority of the roughly 1,000 eligible nurses choosing to organize. The Teamsters have been campaigning for months, focusing on staffing levels, patient safety, and wage concerns. They say the vote reflects a strong desire among nurses to have a real voice in workplace decisions.

UnityPoint Health, however, disputes the count. In a statement, the health system said it respects the nurses' right to organize but believes the election process was not conducted fairly. The company has not given specific details about its objections, but it has asked the NLRB to review the matter. A hearing will likely be scheduled to examine the claims before any certification is official.

This is not the first time UnityPoint has faced union efforts. Previous attempts to organize nurses at other locations have had mixed results. The current situation in Des Moines is still developing, and both sides are waiting for the NLRB to move forward. Until then, the vote results remain in question, and the nurses' union status is on hold.