It ’s time to speak with a collective voice: Why doctors should unionize

Since the birth of our nation, labor unions have existed in one form or another in the United States. Unions are a force to protect the “working population” from inequality, gaps in wages and a political system failing to represent specific industry groups. Historically, unions organize skilled workers in a specific corporation, such as a railroad or production plant. However, unions can organize numerous workers within a particular industry. Known as “industrial unionism,” the union gives a profession or trade a collective and representative voice. The existence of unions has already been woven into the political, economic and cultural fabric of America; recent events suggest that it may be time for physicians and surgeons to unionize. A labor union is a body of workers who come together to achieve common objectives, such as improved safety, higher pay, benefits and better working conditions. Union leadership bargains with employers on behalf of union members to negotiate labor contracts (collective bargaining.) This may include the negotiation of wages, work rules, complaint procedures, and regulations governing hiring, firing, promotion or workplace policies. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Practice Management Public Health & Policy Source Type: blogs