In the latest sign of growing frustration among professionals, doctors employed by a large nonprofit health care system in Minnesota and Wisconsin have voted to unionize.
The doctors, approximately 400 primary and urgent-care providers across more than 50 clinics operated by the Allina Health System, have become the largest group of unionized private-sector physicians in the United States. More than 150 nurse practitioners and physician assistants at the clinics were also eligible to vote and will be members of the union, represented by a local chapter of the Service Employees International Union.
The vote result was 325 to 200, with 24 other challenged ballots, according to the National Labor Relations Board, which conducted the vote.
Allina expressed disappointment in the decision but reiterated their commitment to creating a supportive and valued work environment for all employees.
The doctors cited chronic understaffing as the main issue leading to burnout and compromising patient safety.
They mentioned that an adequately staffed clinic provides the necessary support to handle the workload, but when staffing levels are low, the work piles up and patient care can be compromised.
The shortage of staffing has led to doctors spending extra hours each night handling administrative tasks, which increases backlogs and the risk of mistakes.
Recent walkouts by pharmacists in the Kansas City area and elsewhere have also highlighted similar concerns.
Professionals in various fields have been seeking to form unions in recent years, driven by issues such as low pay and excessive working hours.
Doctors, in particular, feel that their ability to advocate for patients is being hindered, and decisions that affect their day-to-day work are being made by administrators instead of physicians.
Consolidation in the health care industry has also contributed to the frustrations among doctors, as they now often work for large health care systems instead of running their own practices.
Doctors at Allina claim that staffing concerns existed before the pandemic, and the stress of Covid-19 exacerbated the problem. Even after the pandemic, staffing levels never fully recovered to their previous state.
The relatively low pay for clinical assistants and lab personnel has contributed to the staffing issues, as these workers have sought better opportunities in a competitive job market.
Allina, which generates billions in revenue but has faced financial pressures and job cuts, did not address the doctors’ concerns when questioned.
The victory at Allina could create momentum for unionization among attending physicians, a process that has been slow in the past.
Unions have seen greater success in representing medical residents, with thousands of members joining in recent years. This could indicate a trend of increasing unionization among doctors after they complete their training.
Unique Perspective: The decision of doctors employed by a major health care provider to unionize is a significant development in the ongoing struggle for fair working conditions in the medical profession. By organizing themselves into labor unions, doctors are expressing their concerns about chronic understaffing, burnout, and compromising patient safety. The increasing trend of professionals, including doctors, seeking to form unions reflects a growing realization that their skills and dedication deserve better compensation and working conditions. The push for unionization among doctors highlights the need for a collective voice to advocate for both the well-being of healthcare professionals and the quality of care provided to patients.
