Becker’s Hospital Review: Residents and Fellow Physicians at Loma Linda File Petition to Unionize
20 February 2023 |
Residents and fellow Physicians at Loma Linda University Health filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board on February 13, 2023, in an attempt to unionize with the Union of American Physicians & Dentists (UAPD).
According to Becker’s Hospital Review, “they are asking administrators for fair compensation that meets cost of living requirements and is commensurate with similar large academic hospitals in California.”
Other demands and concerns raised by the physicians include:
- A safe working environment to care for 25 percent of California’s geographic population
- Failing to provide sleeping quarters in the hospital when required to remain overnight
- Scheduling physicians to work up to 120 hours per week, leading to challenging work conditions that can undermine patient care
- Unaddressed physician burnout, which has led to moral injury, depression, and suicide
“These doctors are being shut out of decision making that directly affects patient care. The last thing anyone wants is patient care to suffer. These physicians should not be ignored,” Stuart Bussey, MD, president of the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, said in a Feb. 15 news release.
Becker’s says that a spokesperson from Loma Linda University Health responded, saying:
“Loma Linda University Health respects the rights and opinions of all our team members, which include medical residents and fellows who may want union representation and those who do not. We are committed to listening and advocating for our residents as we continue to provide a world-class educational experience that will prepare them for the next steps in their careers. Loma Linda University Health acts in accordance with the National Labor Relations Act and will continue to do so throughout this process.”
