Early in 2023, physicians at one of the most powerful health systems in New York City, Montefiore, made history by winning back the union that hospital leadership robbed from them decades ago. With their newly restored CIR chapter, residents and fellows then set out to force Montefiore management to not only prioritize the needs of housestaff, but the health of communities of color in the Bronx. 

Meanwhile, in Boston that spring, more than 2000 doctors won their CIR union election at medical titan Mass General-Brigham. This was the largest private sector union election on the east coast in 2023. 

For the past two years, both groups of physicians have spent countless hours strategizing, organizing their coworkers to take action, speaking out in the snow and the rain, and otherwise fighting for pay and protection that support their well-being and patient care. While MGB and Montefiore management continuously dragged out negotiations and resisted presenting fair deals–in keeping with their rampant union busting during the doctors’ organizing drives–the new CIR members stayed the course. 

Finally, this spring, the physicians at MGB and Montefiore won contracts that will immediately boost quality of life for doctors and directly benefit patient care. Monte doctors won an immediate 18% salary increase, $3,000 annual housing stipends, $2,500 annual childcare stipends, and much more. Physicians at MGB forced their employer to agree to overall compensation increases of up to $25,000 per resident over the life of the contract, a $50,000 annual wellness budget to support physician mental health, up to $5000 reimbursements for licenses and exams, and other critical improvements. 

Because Monte and MGB are such massive programs, at institutions that resisted housestaff unionization for so long, these contracts stand to set industry standards and impact physician fights nationwide. Ultimately, housestaff at Monte and MGB teach all of us that it is possible to win against any boss when we take action together, and they signal to hospital administrations that residents are ready to demand more for ourselves and the communities we serve–no matter who is across the table. 

“There’s much more to come,” said Dr. Chris Schenck. “Our movement is just beginning.”