Changes in resident physicians' collective bargaining outcomes as union strength declines.

This paper examines the effect of reductions in union bargaining strength on total compensation and compensation mix for resident physicians. The working conditions examined in this paper include hourly wages, life/health insurance, meals on the job, professional liability insurance, and employee grievance procedures. Data for resident physicians with and without collective bargaining agreements are examined for two distinct time periods. The findings suggest that as bargaining strength declined, resident physician unions were less able to deliver advantages in both total compensation and compensation mix. In addition, these unions were more willing to make concessions on fringe benefits than on wage earnings.