Nearly 1,300 trainees at Northwestern Medicine hospitals and clinics are seeking to unionize, with hopes of improving working conditions and patient care.
Residents and fellows training at Northwestern Medicine hospitals and clinics have announced their intention to unionize, filing with the National Labor Relations Board. The group, consisting of almost 1,300 trainees, aims to work with the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) if successful. With more than 65% of the student body at the McGaw Medical Center at Northwestern University voting to file union cards, this move could have significant implications for the future of medical training and healthcare provision in Illinois.
Advocating for Better Working Conditions and Pay Adjustments
Residents and fellows at Northwestern Medicine facilities often work grueling schedules, with some exceeding 80 hours per week. Many are required to work 24-hour shifts, leading to concerns about fatigue and patient safety. By unionizing, trainees hope to negotiate for fewer required shifts and better cost-of-living adjustments in the future. Some members also seek pay adjustments for housing, as the high cost of living in the Streeterville neighborhood forces many trainees to sign expensive leases.
Improving Patient Care and Resources
Residents and fellows play a crucial role in front-line healthcare, often being the first point of contact for patients admitted to the hospital. By unionizing, trainees hope to improve standards of patient care by having a say in how resources are allocated and advocating for more programming for patients of color in working-class communities. They also aim to secure more in-person translators across Northwestern University hospitals, as many patients still rely on digital or video translators, which can lead to communication barriers and potential misinterpretation of medical issues.
Learning from Other Programs and Institutions
The group of residents and fellows at Northwestern Medicine has been preparing for nearly two years ahead of filing to unionize. They sought advice from colleagues at Stanford University and the University of Illinois at Chicago, where successful unionization efforts have taken place. By learning from the experiences of other programs and institutions, trainees hope to increase their chances of success in their own unionization efforts.
Support from Administrators and Colleagues
While residents and fellows are calling on Northwestern Medicine and the McGaw Medical Center to voluntarily recognize their union, they expect to go to a vote among all employees. Some doctors across the hospitals where McGaw students work have already been unionized during their own residencies, providing potential support during the vote. Administrators at Lurie Children’s Hospital have also shown particular support for the trainees’ efforts.
A Sense of Unity and Advocacy
The call to unionize has created a sense of unity across specialties at Northwestern Medicine, with trainees coming together to advocate for better working conditions and patient care. The desire to unionize stems from a place of love for the institution and each other, with a hope to improve the overall healthcare system rather than merely criticize or be cynical.
Conclusion:
The decision by residents and fellows at Northwestern Medicine hospitals and clinics to seek unionization marks a significant development in the healthcare industry. By organizing themselves, trainees hope to improve working conditions, advocate for better patient care, and have a say in resource allocation. As the unionization efforts progress, the impact on medical training and healthcare provision in Illinois could be substantial.
Leave a Reply