Join IFPTE: The Union for Healthcare Professionals

Our members include radiologic technologists, registered nurses, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, drug and alcohol counselors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals who have joined together in union to improve their hospitals and clinics. IFPTE healthcare members have negotiated with employers to secure contracts that create high-quality healthcare jobs, which means less burnout and turnover, and better patient care.

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“We are getting annual raises and starting to close the vast market gap created from seven years of stagnant wages. Now, when worksite issues come up, we speak together as a group with the union to back us up instead of just taking whatever administration throws at us. Now, when we talk, administration takes us more seriously.”

— Physical therapist and IFPTE member Kathy Pelton

How IFPTE members have improved their hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities

Advocating for safe staffing levels

Many patient care roles are understaffed due to cost-cutting by healthcare administrators. We know appropriate staffing levels lead to better patient outcomes, prevent employee burnout, and help control costs in the long-run. Our members’ union contracts give them representation on committees that review professional practices, including staffing levels, and give them the opportunity to provide recommendations for improvements. IFPTE members are using their collective power to address staffing and improve patient care.

Securing better pay and benefits

Working together in union means healthcare professionals have a say in how their pay is set. Many of our members have negotiated for annual wage increases and minimum salaries. Union members earn 20 percent higher wages on average. For healthcare professionals like nurses the union difference is even more, with union nurses earning 30 percent higher pay. IFPTE members have more power to negotiate for better wages because they come together in union. As union members, healthcare employees also have a voice in the quality of health and retirement benefits they receive. Our members negotiate for comprehensive health insurance plans, retirement plans, and other benefits like tuition reimbursement.

Promoting work-life balance

Time away from work allows employees to feel refreshed and spend quality time with their friends and families. Our members have negotiated for alternative work schedules, advanced notice of scheduling, generous amounts of time off, and evening, weekend, and holiday pay. These policies help foster work-life balance and ensure employees are fairly compensated when they have to work at undesirable times.

Where our healthcare members work

Regional Medial Center, Good Samaritan Health System

Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation

Contact the union of healthcare professionals

As a union with members working in healthcare professions, we understand the concerns and pressures of patient care. By joining together with us, you can help create more sustainable healthcare jobs by negotiating for higher pay, better benefits, and improved working conditions.

Fill out our contact form and IFPTE staff will reach out to you with more information about forming a union in your workplace for healthcare professionals.

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FAQ

What is a union?

A group of employees who come together to negotiate with their employer over their wages, benefits, and working conditions. The employees are the union—they democratically elect their coworkers who oversee their union’s affairs and conduct negotiations with their employer. Unlike associations, employees in unions have the legal right to negotiate collectively with their employers.

What is collective bargaining?

Collective bargaining is the formal process employees in unions and their employers use to negotiate the terms and conditions of work—including wages, benefits, and working conditions. Similar to the contracts CEOs have that guarantee their pay, benefits, and other conditions of employment, the terms agreed upon during collective bargaining are solidified in a contract called the collective bargaining agreement. Collective bargaining agreements are commonly referred to as union contracts.

Why are healthcare professionals joining together?

Healthcare professionals who join together can more effectively advocate for their patients and themselves. IFPTE members negotiate for staffing and patient resources, as well as for their own pay and benefits in order to sustain a challenging and rewarding career.