Unionization in Healthcare: Examining Working Conditions and Worker Mental Health Outcomes in Hospital Settings

  • Jihee Woo
  • , Jeffrey Shook
  • , Hollen Tillman
  • , Houa Vang
  • , Sara Goodkind

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study examines the association between unionization, working conditions, and mental health among hospital healthcare workers. Survey data were collected from 1,466 unionized and non-unionized hospital workers in a city in Western Pennsylvania. Using propensity score matching to control for confounding factors, we found that unionization is significantly associated with predictable raises, not holding multiple jobs, not working overtime due to pressure, access to dental insurance and retirement programs, receiving higher raises, experiencing less workplace harassment. Additionally, unionization is linked to a lower likelihood of screening positive for posttraumatic stress disorder and lower perceived stress levels.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)50-76
Number of pages27
JournalLabor Studies Journal
Volume51
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2026

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 UALE

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Keywords

  • healthcare unions
  • hospital workers
  • mental health
  • unionization
  • working conditions

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