GW Hospital Resident Doctors Reach Tentative Agreement
Resident physicians affiliated with George Washington University Hospital have reached a tentative agreement late Monday that averts a potential strike. The strike was set to commence at 6 a.m. Tuesday, but this development, stemming from more than a year of negotiations, brings hope to about 500 unionized resident doctors.
The union, known as the Committee of Interns and Residents, has been advocating for improvements in pay and mental health support for its members. This tentative contract marks a significant victory as it encompasses substantial pay increases and a $1,000 annual stipend dedicated to mental health and physician wellness. Furthermore, a ratification bonus of $4,000 is part of the agreement, encouraging residents’ continued commitment to their demanding roles.
Many of the doctors, who were poised to join picket lines, have expressed concerns related to burnout, exhaustion, and financial pressures. Dr. Jason Robart, a resident in anesthesiology, expressed his satisfaction stating, ‘This contract has been such a long time coming and it’s truly a historic step not only for our well-being, but for the health of the community we serve.’
Echoing Dr. Robart’s sentiments, Eleanor Clifford, an OB-GYN resident, highlighted the necessity of the contract by stating, ‘We were willing to strike because, ultimately, we know that we can’t provide the compassionate patient care that we want to provide on willpower alone. We are incredibly hardworking, but we are also human.’
This achievement is a reflection of the substantial efforts made by the residents, who have been committed to reshaping their work environment and ensuring better support systems are in place.
Further details from GW Hospital and the Committee of Interns and Residents are awaited to shed more light on the progress of the agreement.
Comments are closed