UMRS reveals contract details for UB resident physicians

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- UB resident physicians are on the verge of going back on the picket line after contract negotiations with their employer stalled once again on Wednesday. It comes weeks after a four-day strike in early September that impacted hospitals in Buffalo.

Wednesday was the third time the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) have sat at the table with University Medical Resident Services (UMRS). Once again, they said it was slow-moving and not productive.

“Our ask to UB, our ask to the community, is let's get this done. Don’t make them wait any longer,” said UAPD negotiator Candace Morrison.

Union leaders described the mood at the bargaining table Wednesday as disappointing.

“It's just way too slow. I mean, UB needs to understand that there is urgency in getting this done,” said lead negotiator Robert Boreanaz.

“We do not want to lose these wonderful trainees to other programs, to other cities who are offering better salaries, better benefits and better working conditions," said UAPD Regional Director Cary Lane. "So that's something to consider in terms of how important this contract is to the community of Buffalo."

Residents said their ask is simple: better work conditions, pay and benefits.

“So many of my friends and colleagues are struggling to pay for medications that they need daily just to stay healthy. They’re avoiding doctor’s visits they just can’t pay for," said resident Joshua Head. "They’re double checking that they have enough money to buy groceries. They're living paycheck to paycheck while keeping the community healthy."

UMRS released a statement Wednesday outlining what they call a fair proposal to the union. They said "it addresses the residents' economic, and medical concerns — matching the SUNY Upstate Medical University salary scale."

The proposed contract also said UB's Jacobs School Of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences would contribute $2,000 annually to each resident and fellow to fund educational and professional development.

In addition, the Jacobs School would establish a medical resident's and fellow's emergency fund that would help offset out-of-pocket health care costs and deductibles. 

Despite this, union leaders aren't satisfied.

“All options are on the table. Whether or not a strike again or a longer strike becomes necessary will depend on the responsiveness of UB and the hospitals,” Boreanaz said.

“Would I be willing to? Yes. Do I want to? Absolutely not. That's not the goal. That's not what any of us are hoping to achieve,” said resident Nackensey Saxton when asked if another strike was needed.

The next time UMRS and UAPD will both be at the table is Oct. 15, well over a month since the first strike.

If another strike were to happen, the union, by law, will have to give hospitals a 10-day notice.