The Push for Unionization in the U.S. Health Care Sector

The U.S. health care sector, a critical component of the labor market, is witnessing a renewed push for unionization among its workers. This movement is driven by the need for better wages, improved working conditions, and enhanced job security, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even health care, the strongest sector of the U.S. jobs market, cannot deliver the wages its workers deserve without unionization

Historically, health care workers have been at the forefront of labor organizing, with nurses first joining unions in 1896. Currently, about 20% of registered nurses are union members, a rate that is significantly higher than the overall unionization rate of American workers, which has declined from 20.1% in 1983 to 9.9% in 2024. Recently, there has been a notable increase in union interest among physicians, with membership rising from 5.7% in 2014 to 7.2% in 2019.

The ConversationEven health care, the strongest sector of the U.S. jobs market, cannot deliver the wages its workers deserve without unionization

The health care workforce, comprising approximately 22 million workers, is increasingly recognizing the benefits of unionization. Recent strikes, such as the 46-day strike by health care professionals in Oregon, resulted in contract raises of up to 22% and improved working conditions. Unions like the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are pivotal in advocating for these workers, pushing for better wages and workplace safety.

Even health care, the strongest sector of the U.S. jobs market, cannot deliver the wages its workers deserve without unionizationThe ConversationCalmatters

Unionization in the health care sector could yield significant economic benefits. Research indicates that unionized health care workers earn an additional $123 per week compared to their non-unionized counterparts. Furthermore, industry-wide unionization could transfer an estimated $130 billion annually to health care workers, addressing income inequality. Enhanced job quality not only benefits workers but also improves patient care, as evidenced by lower COVID-19 infection rates in unionized nursing homes.

Even health care, the strongest sector of the U.S. jobs market, cannot deliver the wages its workers deserve without unionizationThe Conversation

Despite the potential benefits, there are concerns regarding the dynamics of unionization. Critics argue that recent legislative measures, such as California's Assembly Bill 1340, may favor large corporations like Uber and Lyft, potentially undermining the bargaining power of gig workers. Additionally, some health care professionals express skepticism about whether unionization will lead to meaningful improvements in their working conditions.

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While many health care workers advocate for unionization, there are dissenting views regarding its effectiveness. For instance, a significant portion of health care professionals in Alberta recently rejected a tentative agreement that offered a 12% wage increase, indicating a disconnect between union leadership and member expectations. This highlights the complexities and challenges within the unionization movement.

Even health care, the strongest sector of the U.S. jobs market, cannot deliver the wages its workers deserve without unionization

• “If we get sick, you get sick.” — Health Care Worker

Even health care, the strongest sector of the U.S. jobs market, cannot deliver the wages its workers deserve without unionization

• “Labor and industry sat down together, worked through their differences, and found common ground.” — Governor Gavin Newsom

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As the health care sector continues to evolve, the future of unionization remains uncertain. Ongoing negotiations and strikes, such as those by doctors in Oregon and Minnesota, will likely shape the landscape of labor organizing in health care. The outcome of these efforts could have lasting implications for wages, working conditions, and the overall quality of care provided to patients.

Even health care, the strongest sector of the U.S. jobs market, cannot deliver the wages its workers deserve without unionization