Loma Linda University resident physicians seek to unionize

Resident physicians at Loma Linda University Medical Center are attempting to unionize, citing low pay and terrible working conditions that they say threaten the health of both patients and doctors.

“A union is a way of saying that we will no longer tolerate your avoidance of resident wellness and patient care,” Jessica Muñoz, a second-year resident working in emergency medicine at Loma Linda University Health, told a crowd of several dozen healthcare workers on Friday, Feb. 24 — Thank a Resident Day — across the street from Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Residents — doctors taking part in a post-graduate training program — often work 30 hours straight and up to 120 hours a week, getting paid the equivalent of minimum wage without lunch breaks, according to Muñoz. Physicians at the hospital have killed themselves due to the strain, she said.

“We are here to make this a better place, safer for you, safer for your patients,” Muñoz said.

Standing by in the face of inadequate medical care would violate the Hippocratic oath all doctors take, according to state Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, a pediatrician himself.

“Resident physicians deserve to have a voice,” Pan told the crowd. “All of us here as physicians, we took an oath. We took an oath to take care of our patients.”

But, he said, hospital administrators sometimes stand in the way of delivering that care.

“The people running these places don’t give us the support, the equipment, the time to be able to take care of our patients,” Pan said.

The doctors are seeking to unionize as a chapter of the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. According to Muñoz, after two weeks of organizing, the doctors have already collected enough signatures — representing at least 30% of residents — to ask the National Labor Relations Board to conduct an election to see if employees want to form a union.

The hospital will not stand in the way of organizing, according to a statement issued on Friday.

“Loma Linda University Health respects the rights and opinions of all our team members, which include medical residents and fellows who may want union representation and those who do not,” the statement reads.

“We are committed to listening and advocating for our residents as we continue to provide a world-class educational experience that will prepare them for the next steps in their careers,” the statement continues. “Loma Linda University Health acts in accordance with the National Labor Relations Act and will continue to do so throughout this process.”

Muñoz seemed skeptical that the hospital would go along with unionization efforts willingly.

“Admin has consistently been sending us anti-union emails when they, in fact, hired union construction workers to build that hospital,” she said, pointing at the glass walls of the medical center behind her.

“After we win this election — and we will win this election — we’re going to sit down with you guys, find out what you want and make sure that you get it in our collective bargaining,” said UAPD President Stuart Bussey.

He promised residents housing subsidies, meal stipends, “all the things Loma Linda should be giving you.”

Once the union organizers contact the NLRB, the hospital will have a choice to either recognize the union or declare that, in good faith, they don’t believe a majority of residents want to join one.

If the NLRB determines there is sufficient interest in a union, it can order an election, typically held 30 days after the order.

“This is our moment to let go of fear and rise above those who prey on our love for medicine and our sacrifices,” Muñoz said.