Bay Area, Calif. — Pediatricians part of the Packard Children’s Health Alliance (PCHA), part of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, have voted to unionize with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD), with 86 percent of the 109 voting physicians in favor of union representation.
“As pediatricians, our days are filled with advocating for our patients and their families. But over time, it’s become clear that we also need to advocate for our profession. Unionizing is the only way to have us be legally present when negotiating,” said a pediatrician involved in the union organizing drive. “Not only for our future but the future of this organization and the quality of care we deliver to every child and family who walks through our doors.”
The group of nearly 110 pediatricians provide care to children across 27 clinic locations throughout the Greater San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey Bay region. Their decision to unionize reflects a shared commitment to strengthening patient care, improving physician retention, and ensuring frontline clinicians have a meaningful voice in decisions shaping their workplace.
“Strong physician-administration relationships don’t happen by accident—they’re built over time. This is the beginning of a partnership to create a sustainable environment where physician input is heard, valued, and considered when decisions are made to deliver the best care possible,” said Stuart Bussey, MD, JD, UAPD President.
The newly formed bargaining unit awaits certification of the election results from the National Labor Relations Board prior to entering contract negotiations with the healthcare system’s administration to formalize their voice in clinical and operational decisions affecting children and families.
About the Union of American Physicians and Dentists
Established in 1972, the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) is the largest bicoastal union for licensed doctors and advanced practice clinicians in the nation—representing more than 7,000 private and public-sector healthcare practitioners. Affiliated with AFSCME and the AFL-CIO, UAPD brings the strength of the labor movement to the aid of providers in the interest of better medicine for all. Learn more at www.uapd.com.