California clinics sue SEIU health union and leader over alleged racketeering scheme

In federal court in the Eastern District of California, the California Primary Care Association and five member clinics have sued SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West and its president Dave Regan, alleging racketeering and intimidation through ballot initiatives. The complaint describes a prolonged strategy of coercion, linking Proposition 44—a measure that would limit nonprofit clinic spending—to a demand that the clinics support unionizing 25,000 workers, a move projected to bring $2.37 million in monthly dues to the union.

It further accuses the union of filing dozens of punitive measures against hospitals and dialysis centers, spending more than $216 million to pressure providers into labor concessions. The plaintiffs argue that Proposition 44 would severely cut funding for essential services and could force some clinics to close. Regan has rejected the allegations, asserting that his intent was to build a cooperative relationship to secure proper funding for community health care. The lawsuit also references prior investigations into Regan’s conduct, including claims of bullying and assault, which he denies.