Factors which influence physicians to join labor unions.

As members of a fiercely independent and individualistic profession, physicians have historically resisted the lure of organizing into collectives and have steadfastly maintained their autonomy. With the advent of managed care, the conditions of work have been altered and many of the assumptions guiding unions and collective bargaining have taken on renewed interest. Proponents of organizing physicians argue that unions can act as representative agents for health care providers to negotiate effectively with managed care organizations (MCO), insurance companies and government for conditions of work to help make their practice of medicine better for patients. Many physicians who previously rejected the notion of unions have reconsidered their entrenched positions and are beginning to weigh the costs and benefits associated with union membership.