Resident physicians and fellows at one Chicago-based organization have ratified their first labor contract as members of the same union at another continue to negotiate with their health system.
Physicians at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University — the nonprofit that sponsors Northwestern’s residency and fellowship programs — ratified the deal Sept. 15-19, more than a year after physicians unionized in January 2024. They reached a tentative agreement with hospital administrators Sept. 5 after they held a unity break action outside Northwestern Memorial Hospital in August.
The agreement covers nearly 1,300 resident physicians employed by McGaw.
“This is an exciting moment for the residents and fellows of McGaw and the patients that we serve,” Whitney Jones, MD, a general surgery resident, said in the release. “With our contract ratified, we can now be fully focused on our patients and providing them the highest quality care they deserve. We have demonstrated that powerful change is possible when we as residents and fellows unite and fight for the protections, benefits and working conditions we need to provide great care to our patients.”
According to the Committee of Interns and Residents, the contract includes:
- An overall compensation increase of 16% in the first year with an annual $11,000 stipend and 3% annual raise
- A licensure reimbursement program
- Lower healthcare costs
“After a series of negotiations, McGaw Medical Center is pleased to have reached a contract agreement with the union representing our residents and fellows,” McGaw said in a statement shared with Becker’s. “This agreement reflects our commitment to providing exceptional medical training that enhances the future of medicine and to supporting the well-being of all our trainees, who are essential to our academic medical center, our patients and the communities we serve.”
Following the contract ratification at Northwestern, resident physicians employed by the University of Chicago Medical Center, who are also represented by CIR, plan to rally Sept. 25 on the main campus of UChicago Medicine in Hyde Park.
The rally comes as about 1,000 UChicago resident physicians are negotiating their first contract. Physicians voted to join CIR in May 2024.
According to a union news release, the residents will take action Sept. 25 to advocate for fair pay and working conditions.
Becker’s has reached out to UChicago and will update this story if comment is received.
