A new study, published in Cornell University?s "Industrial and Labor Relations Review" found that compared to nonunion hospitals, hospitals with unionized nurses have 5.5% fewer deaths from heart attacks. The study was conducted by a University of Massachusetts economics and public policy professor in conjunction with a University of California community health professor, and examined many variables potentially affecting quality of care, such as wages. Other factors included union advocacy for patient care, union efforts to increase staffing levels, and union concerns over excess work outside the scope of job responsibilities taking time away from nursing tasks.
See "If a hospital is unionized, might care be better?", Megan McCloskey, Las Vegas Sun, October 9, 2008