River Hills Bargaining Updates
Updated on September 16, 2026
We remain committed to negotiating in good faith with Teamsters Local 90 while keeping our focus on the patients and communities we serve. Throughout this process, our priority is to support safe, high-quality care and maintain a workplace that attracts and retains talented team members through competitive wages, benefits, and a positive work environment.
Welcome!
Contract negotiations between River Hills Community Health Center and Teamsters Local 90 began on May 20, 2026.
We’ve created this section as a resource to share timely, factual information about negotiations.
We respect every team member's right to choose for or against union representation. In addition to the union information provided below, you have a unique opportunity to “Wait and See.” Can the Teamsters fulfill their campaign promises to those employees at the 201 Market location in the collective bargaining process? Learn how long it will take, etc. See Collective Bargaining Updates.
Negotiations Schedule
June 10-11
Summary of the first two days of bargaining between River Hills Community Health Center and Teamsters Local 90. Read the June 10-11 bargaining summary (PDF).
July 1-2
This update provides a summary of the bargaining sessions held on July 1-2. Read the July 1-2 bargaining summary (PDF).
July 23-24
This update provides a summary of the bargaining sessions held on July 23-24. Read the July 23-24 bargaining summary (PDF).
August 12-14
This update provides a summary of the bargaining sessions held on August 12-14. Read the August 12-14 bargaining summary (PDF).
September 9-11
This update provides a summary of the bargaining sessions held on September 9-11. Read the September 9-11 bargaining summary (PDF).
The Negotiations Process
Step 1: Preparation
Each side assembles its team, reviews current terms, and identifies priorities.
Step 2: Initial Proposals
Written proposals are exchanged. These are points for discussion, not finished agreements.
Step 3: Negotiation
Sessions continue with counter-proposals; agreed items are tentatively set aside.
Step 4: Tentative Agreement
When all provisions are agreed, the full document becomes a tentative contract.
Step 5: Ratification
Bargaining-unit members may choose to ratify the terms of the tentative agreement. If not ratified, the Teamsters may return to the bargaining table and/or call for a strike authorization vote.
Additional Resources
- Unions in Healthcare (PDF)
Why we believe healthcare is different- and how the risk of a strike affects patient care and the community. - Community Healthcare Challenges (PDF)
Funding instability, workforce shortages, rising costs, and growing demand facing Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in 2026. - Teamsters Union Dues (coming soon)
Detailed information about Teamsters Local 90 union dues — what they cost, how they’re calculated, and how they’re spent — will be posted here as bargaining progresses. - Current Teamsters Healthcare Bargaining & Strikes (coming soon)
A summary of recent and ongoing Teamsters healthcare bargaining and strike activity will be posted here as information becomes available. - Teamster Organizing FAQs (PDF)
Common questions about union home visits, phone calls, mailings, and what you can say or do if you’d like to be left alone.
Llame a cualquiera de nuestras oficina las 24 horas al día para acceder a una enfermera que hace evaluaciones médicas.
River Hills is committed to HRSA compliance, quality improvement and transparency of our quality metrics. We have partnered with RegLantern to share data publicly and together work to continually improve our health center operations and compliance. Please check out our clinical performance outcomes here:
Ottumwa Downtown Clinic
201 S Market St., Ottumwa, IA 52501
Family Practice / Dental / Behavioral Health: 641-683-5773
Pediatrics: 641-684-3000
Women’s Health & Family Planning: 641-455-5431
Ottumwa Pennsylvania Ave Clinic
921 Pennsylvania Ave., Ottumwa, IA 52501
Family Practice: 641-931-4966
Ottumwa Behavioral Health Therapy
216 S Market St., Ottumwa, IA 52501
Behavioral Health: 641-683-5773
RHCHC will not deny any services due to the inability to pay. We offer a sliding fee scale for patients who qualify based on poverty guidelines.
We accept payment from Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances.
This health center receives HHS funding and has federal Public Health Service (PHS) deemed status with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals.
