Collective Bargaining
Union representation gives physicians a formal process to negotiate a contract and ensures that major changes to working conditions cannot be made without discussion and agreement. It creates a clear channel for problem-solving between administration and providers. If expectations shift, whether that’s faster consult turnaround times or expanded services like home follow-ups, those conversations happen with physicians at the table, working together on realistic solutions that support both patient care and sustainable workloads.
Job Security
Without union protections, employment decisions can sometimes feel unpredictable. Through a union contract and the protections of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), discipline and termination must follow a fair process and cannot be based on union activity. One of the core benefits of collective representation is ensuring that physicians who are practicing responsibly have due process and clear standards, rather than being vulnerable to arbitrary decisions.
Professional Support
Unions bring access to experienced legal counsel, research staff, communications support, and professionals who specialize in healthcare and labor law. Just as physicians rely on collaboration in clinical settings, union membership expands that network of expertise, offering guidance, resources, and backup so providers don’t have to navigate complex workplace issues on their own.
Solidarity
Acting collectively allows physicians to advocate with a unified voice. While individuals can be pressured or overlooked, a coordinated group is harder to ignore and better positioned to drive meaningful change. Solidarity also connects physicians with other organized healthcare workers, including nurses and allied professionals, strengthening collaboration across the hospital and across the country.
The AMA
The American Medical Association (AMA) has publicly recognized physicians’ right to participate in collective bargaining and has supported efforts to clarify who qualifies for protection under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), including advocating for a narrower definition of “supervisor” so more employed physicians are covered.
The AMA has also played a role in advancing physician organizing by helping establish Physicians for Responsible Negotiation (PRN), a national labor organization created to assist attending physicians, residents, and fellows in building and sustaining local bargaining units.
Momentum around physician organizing continues to grow. Although the movement is still relatively new, more physician unions are forming nationwide, reflecting increasing interest in collective advocacy and shared decision-making in healthcare workplaces