U.S.
Sep. 28—La Familia Health medical staff members have formed a union to counter what they describe as a "toxic environment" at an organization that takes care of patients regardless of income, insurance or legal status.
Physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners and midwives voted 16-1 to form a union with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. The National Labor Relations Board Region 28 in Phoenix confirmed the vote Wednesday, and certification is expected within seven days.
The medical staff filed for union recognition in July in the wake of the June firing of Dr. Wendy Johnson, who had been La Familia's medical director for 10 years but had raised concerns about changes at the facility.
"It's a toxic environment," said Rachel Flores, organizing director of the Union of American Physicians and Dentists.
La Familia medical providers are now a bargaining unit represented by UAPD under the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, more commonly known as AFSCME Local 206.
The La Familia bargaining unit has 19 eligible members after physicians have resigned or been fired this year, said Flores.
The unionization effort adds a new wrinkle to the relationship between management and members of the medical staff. Julie Wright was brought in as CEO in February to bring La Familia back to financial health following the COVID-19 pandemic.
La Familia management issued a statement Wednesday evening through a public relations firm that, in part, reads: "Our providers play a critical role in our mission, and we respect their collective decision to unionize. We value and share their commitment to delivering the highest standards of care to our patients. It is our shared commitment, which serves as the foundation for collaboration and communication as we move forward."
In an August op-ed in The New Mexican, Wright defended recent changes, pointing to a committee of staff members to help review clinical issues. She also took issue with Johnson's contention that tensions had grown between staff and management.
A La Familia physician who spoke on the condition of anonymity Thursday for fear of retaliation outlined why the unionization effort was successful.
"They decided to open long hours but did not talk with the doctors," the doctor said. "I'd like to have more say in the hours we are given. We're not able to influence the choice of hirees. We'd like to have a say in who is hired and who is the medical director. We'd like to have a say in the services we do."