Frequently Asked Questions

General

  • A union will give you, the clinicians, a voice to advocate for your rights and improve your working conditions. By unionizing, you’ll gain a seat at the table and have a direct impact on the decisions affecting you and our patients.

    You’ll have the opportunity to participate in negotiations and advocate for matters such as:

    • Higher wages

    • Paid sick leave

    • Specialty pay

    • Continuing medical education

    • Professional judgment clauses

    • Scope of practice

    • Just cause protections

    • Patient panel sizes and encounter times

    • Workplace protections

    • And more!

    The power to shape your contract will be in your hands, not the employer’s. Further benefits of organizing a union include:

    • Your employer will no longer make unilateral changes without negotiating with us, the union, first.

    • The right to union representation during any disciplinary meeting. A union representative will be by your side to ensure fair treatment and proper resolution.

    • A voice to shape healthcare policy at the local and state levels.

    By unionizing, you’re not just building a stronger workplace—you’re also shaping the future of healthcare and your profession.

  • Union dues are an investment in your present and future that pays for itself through negotiated salary increases, benefits, workplace protections, and job security. On average, union members typically earn 10% to 20% more than their nonunionized peers.

    The UAPD consistently negotiates salary increases that substantially exceed its dues rate of 0.9% of gross salary ($0.90 for every $100 earned), ensuring members receive an excellent return on investment.

    • For example, if the UAPD secures a 10% salary increase, this more than offsets the 0.9% paid in dues, resulting in a net gain of 9.1% in take-home pay.

    Dues are automatically deducted from members’ paychecks and paid to the UAPD after the ratification of a new contract and the submission of a completed membership application.

  • Individuals may object to union membership based on religious grounds. Instead of paying dues, individuals will pay a fee in the amount equal to union dues that will be donated to a nonreligious charitable organization of their choice. Union representation and contract benefits will still be available to those who opt-out of the union.

  • Union dues are the funding source for crucial union operations such as contract negotiations, contract enforcement, administration, organizing, office expenses, legal counsel, and staff salaries. Paying dues not only strengthens your voice—it helps build a stronger, more powerful and effective union.

  • No clinician wants to go on strike. Clinicians have a moral and ethical obligation to their patients.

    The decision to strike is a last resort after all other options have been exhausted. As a union, we would explore all avenues, including negotiations, mediation, arbitration, and other collective actions (such as community engagement, political action, etc.) before resorting to a strike. Participation in the mentioned avenues is crucial, as your input shapes our strategy during bargaining.

    The decision to call for a strike authorization vote is made by the bargaining committee. Following that, a strike authorization vote would be sent out to all clinicians to determine whether to strike. It's a significant action that requires a strong majority vote, 80% or more, to proceed.

Your Rights

  • Your right to unionize is protected by federal law. Under the National Labor Relations Act, your employer is not allowed to:

    • Threaten you with job loss, pay cuts, or other penalties for union support.

    • Bribe you with promotions, benefits, or special treatment to discourage union support.

    • Interfere with your right to discuss unionization with your coworkers.

    Reach out to the UAPD immediately if you believe your employer is violating your federal rights. The union’s legal counsel, Weinberg, Roger & Rosenfeld, will evaluate the case and, if needed, file an unfair labor practice charge against the responsible party.

    The union will fight and do everything in its power to uphold our rights. Whether it is filing unfair labor practice charges or rallying support from our fellow clinicians, the community, and even elected officials.

  • If your employer calls you to a meeting, remember that you have rights. You are not obligated to discuss union-related matters with your employer. If you feel uncomfortable, decline to discuss the topic.

    Federal law protects employees from employer interference:

    • The National Labor Relations Board ruled that captive audience meetings (mandatory meetings held under threat of discipline or discharge) violate federal labor law. These meetings interfere with an employee's right to freely choose whether or not to participate in unionizing. Learn more about the federal ruling here.

    By law, the employer cannot retaliate against you if you refuse to attend a meeting. You have the right to decline without fear of negative consequences. If your employer pressures you to attend or threatens you, they are violating your rights. Please contact UAPD immediately.

  • It is your federally protected right to discuss unionization with your colleagues during work. However, depending on the stage of the campaign, discretion is recommended. Once the campaign is public and the employer is aware, federal law also protects your right to engage in union activity, such as wearing union buttons, stickers, or t-shirts. Your employer cannot intimidate you into silencing your support.

  • Weingarten Rights ensure you have representation, every step of the way. Guaranteed under the National Labor Relations Act, if you are unjustly accused of something—you have the right to request union representation in investigatory meetings that could lead to disciplinary action.

    Your Weingarten Rights go into effect immediately after a union receives a majority of votes in a union representation election. For detailed information, click here.

  • The National Labor Relations Act protects the rights of all employees, regardless of immigration status. No matter your nationality, visa status, or citizenship, you have the right to unionize, collectively bargain, and improve your working conditions.

    More detailed information can be found here.

Union Authorization Cards

  • The process of signing a union authorization card is confidential.

    Your employer will not be informed of your signature in support of forming a union. Confidentiality of card signatures is maintained, with access limited to UAPD personnel and the National Labor Relations Board.

  • No. You are permitted to vote regardless of whether you sign a union authorization card.

  • No. The signing of a card is in support of a union—the vote to unionize is separate.

  • There are no consequences to signing a union authorization card. The signing of a card is confidential and your anonymity is guaranteed.

Bargaining aka Contract Negotiations

  • The timeline for negotiating a strong first contract varies. On average, it takes 465 days to negotiate a first contract. For healthcare, it takes more than 500 days due to the various scopes of practice, job responsibilities, and patient care considerations. Further analysis of timelines for first union contracts can be found here.

    During negotiations, one of the most powerful tools we have as a union is solidarity. Union members can stand together and take collective action to send a strong message to their employer that they are serious about their demands. This can lead to progress at the bargaining table, ensuring a fair contract for all.

  • The bargaining process is about securing a contract that reflects the value of clinicians. Under the National Labor Relations Act, the employer is obligated to bargain in good faith as a standard of negotiations. During this process, the employer can not make unilateral changes without discussing them with us, the union first. This protects your current working terms and conditions until a new contract is agreed upon.

    A strong bargaining committee is essential to negotiating a first contract. This committee is made up of an experienced UAPD negotiator and your very own colleagues, who will represent your interests at the bargaining table. You will have the opportunity to select committee members, ensuring representation from various departments. This will guarantee that everyone’s voice is heard and that your priorities are at the forefront.

    Once a tentative agreement is reached with your employer, it will be presented to all clinicians for a vote. You will have the final say in whether to ratify the agreement.

  • The contract will be tailored to address your needs and concerns. Clinicians from each specialty will be involved in developing language reflective of their priorities. To ensure each clinician’s voice is heard, the bargaining committee will conduct surveys to understand the challenges faced by each specialty.

    Your input is crucial at every stage of the bargaining process. Share your priorities with your bargaining committee and/or your UAPD representative. By working together, we will form a contract that empowers you and strengthens your profession.

  • Individuals who would like to be involved in the bargaining process should consider joining the bargaining committee once their union is certified. Joining the bargaining committee is your chance to be an advocate for your fellow clinicians!

Still Have Questions?

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