After Almost a Year of Bargaining, Exhausted Union Doctors to Speak Out, Calling for Investments in Health Care from Rutgers and State Amid Physician Shortage
Newark, NJ–Rutgers resident physicians and fellows, unionized with the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIRSEIU), will come together to address their community and call for a fair contract from Rutgers at an informational picket at University Hospital in Newark on June 7. Representing more than 1100 Rutgers physicians, CIR has been in negotiations with the university since August.
Making as little as $14.84 an hour considering their typical 80-hour weeks, the union doctors say they face tremendous financial stress on top of the stress and trauma of their jobs working within an under-resourced healthcare system. The CIR physicians are calling on Rutgers and the state to fulfill historic promises to invest in quality health care for New Jersey by ensuring that they are supported as the doctors at the center of care for millions of patients each year, especially with unfilled residency spots in New Jersey.
“We are passionate about doing whatever it takes to deliver great care to our patients–that’s why we became doctors,” said Dr. Elena Wickstrom. “But no one should have to sacrifice this much–our well-being, delaying life goals–just to finish their medical training. It’s crucial that Rutgers and the state do the right thing so that completing residency at Rutgers feels possible, financially and otherwise, and talented physicians continue to come to work in New Jersey.”
WHAT: Rutgers resident physicians will hold an informational picket, where they will speak out about their need for a fair contract.
WHERE: At Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (in the grassy area next to the Doctors Office Center) at 90 Bergen St. in Newark.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 7 from 5:20PM to 5:50PM.
WHO: Rutgers CIR resident physicians and fellows, along with their fellow Rutgers union members.
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 27,000 resident physicians and fellows. Our members are dedicated to improving residency training and education, advancing patient care, and expanding healthcare access for our communities.
