Union Success: Penn Medicine Residents Vote to Approve Landmark Contract in Pennsylvania
Resident doctors at Penn Medicine have made history by ratifying their first union contract, becoming the first residency program in Pennsylvania to do so after more than a year of negotiations. This milestone follows a significant public rally and recent events highlighting the need for improved conditions for residents.
The residents, represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR/SEIU), had several key demands during the negotiation process, including higher salaries to reflect their demanding schedules of up to 80 hours a week, a more generous parental leave policy, and clean, private rooms for rest during overnight shifts.
The newly ratified contract includes a more than 25% salary increase, an expansion of paid parental leave from six to eight weeks, guarantees for secure call rooms, and transportation home after late or long shifts. Additionally, it introduces robust protections against excessive “out-of-title” work, such as transporting patients or drawing blood, marking a significant achievement for the residents.
In a recent vote, over 99% of union members supported the contract. Penn Medicine expressed its satisfaction with reaching an agreement, acknowledging the residents’ role in delivering exceptional patient care.
Dr. Leah Rethy, a second-year cardiology fellow, expressed her satisfaction with the new contract, particularly the enhanced wages and expanded parental leave. “It’s especially important to have extra time at home during the postpartum period or in the early weeks of a baby’s life,” she said, highlighting the need for support for residents who become parents.
Dr. Ianto Xi, a fourth-year neurology resident, noted the challenges they faced during negotiations, stating that early on, management seemed to overlook the residents’ concerns. However, the process underscored the power of collective action, with hundreds of residents participating in virtual bargaining sessions to advocate for their needs.
Dr. Yombe Fonkeu, a third-year neurology resident, pointed to the impact of union organizing, suggesting that collective actions, including the public rally earlier this year, played a crucial role in achieving their demands. This rally saw significant attendance from residents, community members, and local politicians, amplifying their voices.
While Penn Medicine is the first residency program in Pennsylvania to unionize, this trend reflects a broader movement across the country. Following the pandemic, residency programs nationwide are increasingly advocating for better working conditions, with recent strikes occurring at institutions such as the University of Buffalo and Elmhurst Hospital in New York.
The new contract not only improves working conditions but also paves the way for residents to voice their concerns directly to management, enhancing communication and resource allocation within the health system. As the movement for resident rights continues to grow, it signals a critical shift in how medical professionals are treated and supported in their demanding roles.
