Editor’s note: This article has been updated from the original to reflect comments from the head of Peak Vista Community Health Centers. After a nearly two-year legal fight, four physicians and one nurse practitioner formerly employed by Peak Vista Community Health Centers, headquartered in Col orado Springs, have reached a $1.2 million settlement over their complaints for being terminated for speaking out about patient care, the Union of American Physicians and Dentists announced Tuesday. In August 2024, the providers, represented by the California-based union, filed 18 charges of labor law violations against the organization with the National Labor Relations Board. The agency issued a ruling in December 2024 that the employees had been wrongfully terminated; Peak Vista appealed the labor board’s decision on the terminations, and both parties now have agreed to the settlement. The doctors and nurse practitioner had argued they were fired for raising concerns about excessive patient volumes, shortened appointment times, and the growing risk the conditions posed to patient safety and provider well-being. “These clinicians did what ethical healthcare professionals are obligated to do — they spoke up for their patients,” Dr. Stuart Bussey, president of the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, said in a statement. “This settlement affirms that providers have the right to advocate for safe, high-quality care without fear of retaliation.” As part of the resolution, Peak Vista is “taking concrete steps to build stronger clarity and greater alignment going forward, including increased transparency in all that we do,” Dr. Jaeson Fournier, president and CEO of Peak Vista Community Health Centers, said in a statement provided to The Gazette. “Our intention has always been to treat members of our Peak Vista team with fairness, transparency and respect, and to adhere to all federal and state employment laws,” he said. “While the agreement resolves the matter, it also highlights the importance of having clear organizational understanding of protected and concerted employee activities.” The dispute began when Peak Vista administrators significantly increased the number of expected daily patient encounters for providers and reduced patient visit times, while stipulating that they work extra unpaid hours to complete actions such as paperwork. Providers said workers who questioned the changes or raised concerns about the impact on patient care were silenced, dismissed or forced to resign, leaving thousands of patients without primary care. Patients and providers began speaking publicly about the situation in 2024, describing an atmosphere of intimidation and fear that they said discouraged staff from talking openly about workplace conditions. In response, more than 90 Peak Vista providers filed a petition to unionize in August 2024, and a majority voted in favor of joining the Union of American Physicians and Dentists in January 2025. Peak Vista views the matter as “an opportunity to learn and improve,” Fournier said. “We are reviewing and refining our internal practices, leadership training and decision-making processes to help ensure collectively as an organization, both employer and employees have a better understanding of employment rights so that our policies and practices are consistent with both our values and our legal responsibilities,” he said. Peak Vista also will “strengthen its efforts and continue to foster a workplace where employees feel heard, respected and supported,” Fournier said. “At Peak Vista, people come first – patients, communities, and the teams who care for them.” Union organizer Andrew Guttman called the settlement “an important step toward accountability and healing.” “While the terminations cannot be undone,” he said in a statement, “we hope this outcome helps ensure that no other provider is punished for putting patients first.” ...read more read less