UIC Resident Physicians Hold Unity Break for Fair Contract and Patient Care
Chicago, IL — Resident physicians and fellows at the University of Illinois, Chicago Health, represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR/SEIU), will hold a unity break on Thursday, January 26, to bring attention to their struggle for a fair contract to improve patient care and physician well-being. Commissioner Brandon Johnson and Illinois State Representative Lakesia Collins, who represent the district, will speak in solidarity with residents.
Residents first organized for union representation during the pandemic, where they were utilized to bridge increasing staffing shortfalls the hospital faced. Now, nine months into their first contract negotiations, UIC has increasingly delayed the process and refused to seriously consider most of their proposals put forward. Following unionization, management withheld their 2% cost of living pay increase, which residents have received every year prior.
Who: The resident and fellow physicians at the UIC Health, represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents, will be joined by Commissioner Brandon Johnson and Illinois State Representative Lakesia Collins (9th District). “The residents and fellows at UIC have been on the frontlines of the pandemic, tirelessly caring for our community all day, every day without fail. Their dedication is unwavering, and I am honored to stand with them as they fight to secure fair pay and safe working conditions so they can continue providing exceptional care for the South Side of Chicago,” Commissioner Brandon Johnson said.
What: UIC Health Residents will hold a unity break action as they enter into their ninth month of ongoing contract negotiations. Despite serving on the frontlines of the pandemic and working to support the city’s most vulnerable patients, residents at UIC are frequently overworked and underpaid.
Where: Outside the University of Illinois Hospital (1740 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612), between Taylor Street an Wood Street.
When: Thursday, January 26th, from 7:15 AM to 7:45 AM. The event will start on time and run for thirty minutes.
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 24,000 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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