Doctors on Strike

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Here is something real interesting.  It seems that about 150 doctors at the University of California’s student health centers are staging a one-day strike over contract negotiations. Here is a synopsis of the article:

  • They are protesting what they describe as unfair labor practices.
  • It’s the first time in 25 years fully licensed doctors have gone on strike against a U.S. employer.
  • Ackerman and other union members say UC officials have given them no choice by not providing key information at the bargaining table.
  • “The information requests where we asked where the funds are. They’re going into chancellors’ raises that are 20 percent,” said Dr. Charles McDaniel with the Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center.
  • “The question is: Where is the money going to? Is it going towards the people who need it or is it going to the administration, who has already bloated administrative benefits and perks?” said Juan Torres, a student.

I love it.  Where is the money going?  Administrators?  Of course!

Many followers of this blog have been saying that doctors need to unionize and strike. I recall Joe Shmegma being an advocate of such options but now he is doing private medicine.  I wonder if he has changed his tune?  I don’t think that striking or unionizing is the answer.  I think privatizing medicine is.