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Earlier this week, doctors employed by both RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers University voted to unionize, joining the American Association of University Professors-Biological and Health Sciences New Jersey. The doctors, known as "clinically focused university practitioners," cited low starting salaries and fewer benefits compared to Rutgers-hired peers as major reasons for organizing. While RWJBarnabas said it respects the right to unionize and aims to work toward a fair contract, the company had initially encouraged a "no" vote and brought in consultants to oppose unionization. Union supporters view this as a necessary step toward fairer treatment, while RWJBarnabas appears focused on maintaining smooth operations and quality patient care despite the shift.