Banner Health Staff Push for Union Amid Concerns Over Work Conditions

In the heart of Arizona, a significant decision is unfolding for healthcare professionals at Banner Health. As the state’s largest employer, Banner Health is witnessing a critical vote on unionization, a move that could transform the dynamics of its workforce.

Candace Napier, a seasoned nurse practitioner at Banner Health, has seen the institution evolve over nearly 30 years. Once, clinicians had a substantial voice in decision-making. Now, operational staff largely steer the course, a shift that Napier finds disheartening. “People live in fear; they’re afraid,” she expressed. “You know, when every moment somebody tells you what to do, you feel like you’re walking on eggshells.”

Currently leading a clinic in Sun City West, Napier advocates for the union drive, viewing it as a matter of justice. “They’re not fair, so we have to bring them to task,” she stated. “We have to say, ‘This is not right. This is bad for medicine. It’s bad for the patient. It’s bad for everybody.'”

At the center of the current push for unionization is an election at Banner Health, where doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants have been given a week to submit their ballots. The count is scheduled for September 2nd. This vote takes place in a right-to-work state, meaning employees can’t be compelled to join a union or pay dues. Should the unionization effort succeed, the next phase would involve negotiating a labor contract.

Napier, along with others, contends they are being pressured into unpaid work, prompting them to consider joining the California-based Union of American Physicians and Dentists. Dr. Justin Watkins, who initiated contact with the union 16 months ago, summarized the situation: “It was a long list of small little changes that happened. I would generalize them as being asked to do more with less.”

Banner Health, which operates 33 hospitals across six states, has not commented on the unionization vote. However, it previously stated that it fosters a positive team culture with collaborative leadership. The organization maintains an informative website about unions, where the president emphasizes a commitment to direct relationships between leaders and teams without union facilitation.

“They’re very vocal about trying to say, ‘We don’t want you to unionize,’” Watkins remarked. The healthcare provider, a nonprofit, reported nearly $16 billion in revenue last year, marking a $376 million increase from the prior year.

In a separate development, an unfair labor practice complaint has been filed by Dr. Syerra Lea, represented by the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. The complaint alleges retaliation after Dr. Lea raised concerns about patient scheduling. “Dr. Lea was an example of the conditions under which these clinicians have to work,” said union organizer Sebastian Gomez. “Dr. Lea brought up a patient scheduling issue, and she was disciplined for it.”

Dr. Lea’s experience highlights broader issues within Banner Health, including excessive workloads and insufficient administrative support. Dr. Diana Elizalde, an internal medicine and geriatric specialist, echoes these concerns, noting that some primary care physicians work around 60 hours per week, which she deems unsustainable. “The more overworked physicians are, the more exhausted they will become, the more likely that they will make clinical mistakes. And eventually patients are being hurt. And we don’t want that,” she warned.

As the vote unfolds, the outcome will have significant implications for the healthcare providers at Banner Health and potentially set a precedent for similar efforts across the industry.

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