Collective Bargaining, Work Stoppages, and Slowdowns

Reaffirmed October 2008 by the ACEP Board of Directors
Approved by the ACEP Board of Directors April 2002
This policy statement replaces "Guidelines Concerning Work Stoppages and Slowdowns" originally approved by the ACEP Board of Directors March 1997 and "Collective Bargaining" originally approved by the ACEP Board of Directors October 2000 

The American College of Emergency Physicians recognizes that situations may arise in which groups of individuals choose to withhold services, thereby affecting health care delivery. The College believes that it is the duty of emergency physicians to work for the continuous availability of emergency medical care should a work stoppage occur.

ACEP believes emergency physicians functioning as employees may participate in collective bargaining units. Such units should only include physicians, as non-physicians may follow other ethical codes. Non-employee physicians may participate in collective bargaining units to the extent allowed by law.

Medical professionals who choose to use a work stoppage or collective bargaining should never use collective action that could delay or deny access to emergency care.

ACEP members should anticipate problems that may arise from a work stoppage or other collective bargaining activities by any health care personnel and seek cooperation of other health professionals to ensure the timely provision of emergency medical care under all conditions.