We, the undersigned, are resident physicians/CIR members at St. Barnabas Hospital, along with supportive attendings, nurses, staff, members of SEIU local 1199, as well as the COMMUNITY.
As you know, we have been in contract negotiations for the past three months. While we’ve made progress, we were disappointed to learn that the Board has instructed St. Barnabas negotiators to hold wage increases at no more than 2% per year.
St. Barnabas housestaff are currently the lowest paid in New York City, and MORE THAN 13% behind other safety-net hospitals in the Bronx. As physicians, we work around the clock providing the best patient care that we can - as is the mission of St. Barnabas Hospital. During contract negotiations, we have been told by St. Barnabas representation at the bargaining table that SBH values the work that we do, and that the hospital wants to ensure that it can recruit, train, and retain the best physicians possible.
In order to do that, we as housestaff are asking you and the Board of Trustees for a fair contract that reflects the important work we do, addresses the salary chasm between us and other programs, and allows us to take care of patients without the financial stress of barely being able to take care of ourselves and our families.
