Profession
N.M. residents, fellows form union
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted March 19, 2007
Looking for a stronger say in patient care, nearly 500 residents and fellows at the University of New Mexico in February unionized through the Committee of Interns and Residents.
The CIR, which is an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, represents 12,000 residents nationwide.
As a union, UNM residents hope to have more leverage in improving working conditions and quality of care, such as ancillary services, at the university's hospital, said John Ingle, MD, a first-year resident and union representative in the otolaryngology department. He said the goal also is to advocate as a group for residents on a number of issues unique to them, such as salary, health benefits and hours. Residents participated on a governing counsel that could make proposals to the university board but did not have a defined role or a specific contract, Dr. Ingle said.
The next step for residents will be to negotiate a contract with UNM.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/03/19/prbf0319.htm.
