UB resident physicians' contract talks stalled for second week

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — UB resident physicians have been back inside local hospitals after their strike ended over two weeks ago however, union leaders said another strike is still on the table after contract negotiations have stalled.

Local hospitals were without hundreds of employees as UB resident physicians picketed for better pay and working conditions two weeks ago. An event that may just happen again according to one of the lead negotiators representing the union.

“I hate to say it, but neither session has been particularly productive,” said Union of American Physicians and Dentists attorney Candace Morrison.

This fight began back on midnight Sept. 3 when resident physicians at Buffalo General walked off the job to join more than 800 fellows on the picket line.

The strike lasted a total of four days, affecting every hospital in the Buffalo area
Resident physicians we spoke with say the low pay, coupled with long hours, make it impossible for them to make a living wage. On top of that, they tell us their benefits don't even allow them to receive care at the hospitals they work for.

“These residents are only interested in improving and improving their terms and conditions of employment and the terms and conditions of employment for the residents who come down the road from them,” Morrison said.

UAPD and University Medical Resident Services have met at the table twice this month,
most recently on Sept. 17. Each accuse the other of using stall tactics during negotiations.

UMRS says prior proposals were rejected because the union made a late request for $15 million in salary increases over three years, which they say is not feasible.

Morrison says the delay is due to UMRS being quote 'a shell company.'

“UBGME that has a huge stake in this process is not coming to the table, Kaleida, ECMC the VA. So, we have one mouthpiece, one representative of all these different stakeholders at the table who then relays what we're telling them back to these other groups,” Morrison said.

We reached out Friday for an update from UMRS on contract talks but have yet to hear back, a spokesperson for the group did say quote 'progress was made at the last bargaining session'  

Both sides are scheduled to resume negotiations this coming Wednesday, with the hopes of coming to an agreement. All residents are back working at this time, but union leaders say another strike is on the table if there are further stalls.