WMed residents doctors may go on strike in two weeks
The union is pushing for increased wages, a meal stipend, more affordable health insurance, and equal representation in discussions about working conditions and overall well-being.
More than 260 residents and fellows at Western Michigan University’s Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) could go on strike in the coming weeks if their demands are not met by the administration.
Last week, members of the WMed Resident & Fellow Alliance (RFA), the union representing medical trainees, voted in favor of a strike. The union is expected to issue a 10-day notice to WMed administration, as required under the National Labor Relations Act.
The decision to strike follows more than six months of stalled contract negotiations. The union is advocating for higher wages, a meal stipend, more affordable health insurance, and equal representation in discussions on working conditions and overall well-being.
Last month, RFA held an informational picket at Bronson Park in downtown Kalamazoo, warning of a possible strike. With no progress at the bargaining table, residents say they have no choice but to follow through.
A key issue in negotiations is a proposed 5% to 10% pay increase for the next year. Residents say WMed revoked a planned raise last year after they unionized and is now offering the same raise without back pay, which they argue amounts to a pay cut.
“Our raise was taken away when we decided to unionize for legal purposes,” said Monica Patten, a WMed resident. “They’re basically offering us the same amount of money, but without back pay for the year, which is in effect a pay cut, and we’re not okay with that.”
Currently the residents doctors earn between $60,500 and $67,500 annually
Residents hope the strike threat will push WMed’s administration to present a better offer.
“As residents, we work hard to deliver quality care for not only our patients but our organizations and community as a whole,” said Dhruv Srinivasachar, a WMed Medicine-Pediatrics resident. “We have been ready to bargain in good faith with our employer, but our basic demands for fair salaries and respect in the workplace continue to get ignored. Nobody wants to go on strike, but we deserve real proposals that reflect the value we provide.”
Najifa Farhat is a staff reporter for Watershed Voice.
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