University of Massachusetts resident physicians, interns and fellows employed through Worcester-based UMass Chan Medical School reached a tentative labor contract Oct. 23, according to a news release from their union shared with Becker’s.
The tentative deal covers about 700 unionized physicians represented by Service Employees International Union’s Committee of Interns and Residents.
According to the union, the agreement includes a 9.5% compensation increase over three years; $5,000 annually for mental health services per person, per household; an increase in the educational allowance to $1,500 per resident or fellow, per year, (up from $1,000 in the prior contract); and a one-time licensure exam reimbursement. It also fully reinstates union members’ health benefits fund, including co-pay reimbursement.
“A fair contract for UMass housestaff means better care for central Massachusetts patients,” CIR-SEIU Regional Vice President Dipavo Banerjee, DO, said in the release. “As cuts to vital health services, including Medicaid, hurt our Worcester community, investing in front-line caregivers is essential for protecting top-quality patient care. I’m proud of the work our bargaining team and housestaff did to make meaningful gains that let us focus on what matters most — our patients.”
In a statement to Becker’s, UMass administration broadly confirmed the tentative agreement, reiterating that the union is reviewing its terms.
Union members are expected to take a ratification vote the first week of November. This is the second labor deal since residents joined CIR-SEIU in 2021.
