Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Temple, Jefferson Resident Physicians Ratify First Contracts

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Resident physicians and fellows at the Temple University Health System and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals—who are represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents-Service Employees International Union (CIR-SEIU)—have overwhelmingly ratified their first union contracts.

Participating members at both health systems voted 100% in favor of approving the agreements. The approximately 2,200 Temple and Jefferson physicians provide essential direct patient care at more than 20 hospitals and medical facilities across the greater Philadelphia area.

“As physicians, we spend every day advocating for our patients to have the resources and support they need, and many of us are living paycheck-to-paycheck,” said resident physician Linda Li. “Daycare alone took up about 60% of my salary, and I know residents who had to take on more debt just to cover basic living expenses. I’m incredibly proud that we stood together and won a contract that will make a material difference in our lives and for residents who come after us.”