BUFFALO, N.Y. — University at Buffalo medical residents and fellows once again walked out of negotiations without a contract Wednesday afternoon — and are now pleading for help.
The residents had their third scheduled negotiating session with the third-party shell company responsible for their payroll, University Medical Resident Services, on Wednesday since striking for four days earlier this month.
After leaving the session, the residents called upon the very patients they serve to return the favor.
“We give our time, we give our energy, we give our hearts and souls to you,” fourth-year resident Mackensey Saxton said. “If you can help write letters, make your voices heard, speak out for us, the more voices advocating on our behalf, the better we can do.”
It all comes just three weeks after 830 residents walked off the job and onto the picket line, demanding an 8-10% increase in salary, improved working conditions and better benefits.
Lead negotiators with the residents’ union said Wednesday that benefits remain the holdup.
They also believe a deal has not been reached because throughout the 14-month process, the stakeholders at UB or any of the major hospitals still haven’t come to the table with them, instead having them negotiate through UMRS.
“We cannot reach a fair contract without the involvement — whether at the table or actively behind the scenes in getting an agreement — without UB's help and without the hospital's help,” said Robert Boreanaz, the union’s lead negotiator.
Until they get that help, residents say they’re being forced to make tough decisions.
“Most of us have to make a decision between rent payment, car payment or groceries on a monthly basis,” Saxton said.
2 On Your Side reached out to the major hospitals these residents work at for statements, but they did not respond to our requests.
UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine sent the following message to faculty Wednesday:
“Earlier today, representatives from University Medical Resident Services, P.C. (UMRS) presented the union representing our dedicated UB medical residents and fellows with a contract proposal to raise salaries to a level on par with SUNY Upstate Medical University, in addition to providing new funding for health care costs and educational/professional development opportunities.
We believe this is a very fair proposal, one that addresses the concerns of residents and fellows, and which recognizes the very important role they play in our community’s health care system. We are hopeful this proposal will soon lead to an agreement between UMRS and UAPD.”
The two sides are set to return to the bargaining table on Oct. 15.