Union Election Results Upheld for Resident Physicians at Howard

Contract negotiations can finally begin, now that the National Labor Relations Board has ruled that Interns, Residents, Chief Residents, and Fellows employed by Howard University Hospital (HUH) are represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR/SEIU Healthcare).  The May 6 notice followed a contentious challenge of NLRB election results by HUH administration... 

 "We are very excited that the NLRB ruled in favor of HUH residents and we look forward to working together with the hospital in providing cost-efficient and effective patient care,” said Dr. Hakeem Ayinde, an internal medicine resident at Howard.

The 263 resident physicians at the hospital filed for union recognition in hopes of gaining a greater voice to improve working conditions and the delivery of patient care at a time when the hospital is undergoing a major restructuring process. Howard University Hospital pledged to bargain in good faith and said it “hopes to begin a constructive relationship with the Committee of Interns and Residents.”

Dr. Nnaemeka Madubata, an internal medicine resident, said that "Though it will be hard, the negotiation process will be something that will be beneficial to all parties involved including residents, Howard University Hospital, and above all else, our patients."