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Collective voices, healthier outcomes: the union effect in American Healthcare

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Healthcare unionization is growing amid consolidation, burnout, and policy gridlock. Emerging evidence suggests unions improve healthcare delivery by enhancing worker conditions, staffing, and safety, which in turn support patient and public health outcomes. As physician organizing expands, unions play a vital role in advancing workplace standards, amplifying collective voice, and promoting a more equitable healthcare system.

Source: npj Health Systems

DOI: 10.1038/s44401-026-00078-z

Authors: Kiran Abraham-Aggarwal, Yaminette Díaz-Linhart, Adam Seth Litwin, Ariel Avgar

Institutions: Cornell University, New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Weill Cornell Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Labor Movements and Unions

Subfield: Public Administration

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,790