Doctors for 10 University of California campus health centers staged a one-day strike last week, saying that administrators have failed to provide their union with the basic paperwork needed to create their first contract.
The Union of American Physicians and Dentists said it was the first strike by licensed physicians in 25 years. Physicians at the student health centers have been attempting to create their first union contract since November 2013, but school administrators won’t provide them with discretionary budget information or a breakdown of how the university spends student fees. Dr. Charles McDaniel, a psychiatrist at the UCLA center and spokesperson for the group, said school administrators have continually failed to provide the union with the necessary paperwork to complete their initial contract.
“We asked them for the information and we get stonewalled,” he said from the picket line at UCLA.
The union represents about 150 health professionals across 10 University of California student health centers. These physicians are responsible for administering flu shots, counseling and emergency services. The group returned to work on Wednesday, but McDaniel said future strikes are possible if the administration continues to drag their feet.
UC spokesperson Shelly Meron said the universities were notified of the strike days in advance and were able to reschedule all non-urgent appointments.
“We see this as a hasty strike that is simply a negotiating tool,” Meron said. “We don’t believe the issues warrant a strike that impacts students.”
Dr. Silverman comments
I wasn’t aware that doctors could form unions. I always thought there was a law that forbid it.
Holding healthcare hostage is a serious threat. Just calling a “negotiating tactic” is belittling its power. These doctors must have been very upset to act this way. Unfortunately we don’t know the depth of their disagreement as the report contains so little information.
The original article ended by saying, “The campus health center physicians are paid on average $150,000 a year.” For reference, $150,000 in California for a doctor doesn’t go very far. Between student loans, interest and the missed income for continued school, the average doctor enters the workforce about $500,000 behind his bachelor degree holding counterparts. After paying on this loan, this doesn’t leave much to afford a home in California where median home values are so high. This last line in this article is meant to make the public say, “Wow, these doctors make a ton of money. What could they have to complain about?” It’s a very manipulative technique. I will be keeping an eye on this situation to see how it plays out.
Related source: Medscape