Collective Bargaining and Collective Actions, Including Work Slowdowns and Stoppages

Revised June 2025 with current title, October 2020

Reaffirmed April 2014, October 2008

Revised April 2002 titled "Collective Bargaining, Work Stoppages, and Slowdowns," replacing “Guidelines Concerning Work Stoppages and Slowdowns” (March 1997) and “Collective Bargaining” (October 2000)

Revised March 1997

Reaffirmed April 1992

Originally approved October 1984 titled “Guidelines Concerning Work Stoppages and Slowdowns”

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

ACEP believes emergency physicians functioning as employees may participate in collective bargaining units. Nonemployee physicians may participate in collective bargaining units to the extent allowed by law. Emergency physicians should not form workplace alliances with those who do not share their ethical priorities.

Emergency physicians who choose to use collective bargaining should avoid using collective actions, including work slowdowns and stoppages, that could delay or deny access to emergency care.

Emergency physicians should anticipate problems that may arise from collective bargaining activities and actions, including work slowdowns and stoppages, by any health care personnel and seek cooperation of other health professionals to ensure the timely provision of emergency medical care under all conditions.