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A Victory for UCLA Health Interns and Resident Physicians
After Last Week’s UCLA Unity Break and Negotiations, UCLA Interns and Resident Physicians Attained Their First Contract
After an arduous ten-month bargaining process with UCLA Health, CIR-represented interns and residents attained their first contract late Wednesday night. In it they procured an increase to wages and housing stipends, health benefits until 2021, including an HSA for any copays, and full union access to the facility and to orientations.
In the lead up to Wednesday’s negotiations, Resident leadership employed momentum building actions starting with Monday’s “100 calls” to UCLA Health’s CEO John Mazziotta and UCLA Health President Johnese Spisso, Tuesday’s Twitter Storm, and finally Wednesday’s Unity Break. Engaging sister unions, local elected officials, and presidential candidates, UCLA Housestaff reached a critical mass both on the ground and across the web.
On the afternoon of negotiations, over 80 resident physicians, interns, and supporters, participated in a walkout and unity break, which was held outside the UCLA Medical Center to express concern and solidarity. The unity break provided much needed support to the committee before they entered negotiations later that evening. With such a strong backing, the committee was able to negotiate for a stronger and more fair contract.
Coming out of Wednesday’s negotiations, the university reached a tentative contract agreement with the union. UCLA Housestaff, with CIR representation, now move into the ratification process this week. The entire process can take up to four months. CIR thinks the most recent tentative contract better captures the value interns, residents and fellows contribute to UCLA Health.
UCLA resident physicians and interns are excited to enforce their new contract following ratification, so they can continue focusing on becoming better doctors and caring for their patients. More details will be released regarding the final outcome of the contract in wake of the ratification process as they become available.
The Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) is the largest housestaff union in the United States. A local of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing over 16,000 resident physicians and fellows. Our members are dedicated to improving residency training and education, advancing patient care, and expanding healthcare access for our communities.
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