The incentive argument for the unionisation of medical workers

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Terrance C. McConnell, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Whenever a country institutes a national health insurance programme, the government in effect becomes the sole purchaser of health care and medical workers often become salaried employees. Many countries have already adopted such programmes. Even in the United States it is claimed that as early as 1975 nearly 25 per cent of physicians were compensated on a salaried basis.l When these things happen, the issues of medical workers' unionising and having the right to strike arise too. In fact, earlier this decade a national survey showed that three out of every five doctors in the United States believed they should unionise.2 There is much debate about whether medical workers should have unions and should have the right to withhold their services. Opponents have claimed that unions are 'unprofessional', and in any case since hospitals are non-profit organisations, it is inappropriate for union organisation to take place in that setting.

Additional Information

Publication
McConnell, Terrance. “The Incentive Argument for the Unionization of Medical Workers,” Journal of Medical Ethics 5(4) (December 1979), pp. 182-184.
Language: English
Date: 1979
Keywords
Medical profession, Medical workers, Unionization, National health insurance

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