The Physicians Say Supporting Healthcare Workers at the City’s Primary Safety Net Hospital Is a Matter of Health Justice
Boston–After three months of negotiations, Boston Medical Center resident physicians, unionized with the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIRSEIU), will come together on Thursday afternoon to call on BMC to agree to a contract that supports their ability to continue providing excellent care to the communities they serve. The physicians, who number about 750, say securing a contract with living wages and core benefits competitive with other local residency programs is an urgent matter of health equity at New England’s largest level one trauma center.
“It really is becoming more and more difficult to prioritize our own well-being as we care for our patients–the majority of whom are working class people of color facing complex health issues,” said Dr. Denisse Rojas. “Particularly for physicians who are first generation college grads and who lack familial safety nets ourselves, BMC residents are really just scraping by. The hospital must ensure that this crucial patient population gets seen by rested doctors, and that we can continue to attract physicians who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, which we know is essential for great care.”
WHAT: Boston Medical Center resident physicians will hold a “unity break,” where they will call on BMC to agree to a fair contract that will support their ability to live and work in Boston. There will be a brief speaking portion. At least 200 people are expected.
WHERE: Outside BMC on the SE corner of Massachusetts Ave. and Harrison Ave.
WHEN: On Thursday, July 20 from 12:15-1:00PM with a speaking portion beginning at 12:20.
WHO: Resident physicians and supporters, including Boston Council President Ed Flynn, Councilor Liz Breadon, At-Large Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, At-Large Councilor Julia Mejia, and members of the Massachusetts Nurses Association and 1199SEIU.
Among the physicians’ core demands are living wages competitive to other local institutions, a living stipend that will help support their ability to live in a city with a median rent of more than $2700 for a one-bedroom apartment, a parking fund to offset exorbitant parking costs, fair compensation for extra shifts, improvements to their diversity, equity and inclusion fund, and more.
The Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) is the largest house staff union in the United States. A local of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing over 30,000 resident physicians and fellows. Our members are dedicated to improving residency training and education, advancing patient care, and expanding healthcare access for our communities.
