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UC Begins Systemwide Medical Resident Negotiations with CIR-SEIU

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The University of California and the Committee of Interns and Residents/SEIU (CIR-SEIU) began negotiations for a new, system-wide collective bargaining agreement that will cover more than 6,300 medical residents across the university’s academic health centers. We recognize that this is a significant moment, and we want to acknowledge your essential contributions to our mission and to patients across California and beyond.

UC is a global leader in research, education, and health care delivery. As resident physicians, you play a vital role in every part of that mission — caring for patients, supporting communities, and advancing medical knowledge. Supporting and educating you is not just part of our responsibility — it’s at the core of UC’s commitment to excellence in healthcare, which has a national and international impact.

The UC system and the academic health centers are currently facing significant and unprecedented financial pressures driven by rising labor and supply costs. At the same time, they continue to fulfill critical public service missions—providing complex care, advancing cutting-edge research, and training the next generation of health care professionals. Labor costs alone have increased by 22% year-over-year, now exceeding the revenue generated from patient care. These challenges are compounded by the growing number of publicly insured patients, whose care is often reimbursed at a rate below the actual cost of services.

During the August 5 bargaining session, CIR-SEIU presented a broad set of proposals focused on salary, housing, benefits, retirement, workplace conditions, and resident well-being. The University appreciates the residents who shared their experiences, and we remain committed to a productive and respectful negotiation process.

Bargaining sessions will proceed on a bimonthly schedule, with the next session scheduled for August 19. We look forward to continuing this collaborative process to reach a fair and comprehensive agreement that reflects your vital contributions to UC and to health care more broadly.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to your patients, your training, and your profession. We are proud to have you as part of the UC community — leaders who will make a difference not just here in California, but around the world.