Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., is seeking legal action against the Committee of Interns and Residents, which represents resident physicians and fellows at the hospital, according to an April 20 report from DCist.
The hospital filed for arbitration over the union's demonstration in November, during which resident physicians held a "unity break" amid contract negotiations, seeking better working conditions, including improved staffing levels and paid sick leave.
The union contract was recognized in December 2022, resulting in a $5,000 annual mental health stipend, a salary increase of above 12.5 percent over the next three years and the development of a patient safety committee.
However, the hospital is arguing the residents who participated in the demonstration violated the "no strike" clause in their contract. Meanwhile, the union believes they didn't violate the clause as their demonstration was described as a "unity break," not a strike.
The demonstration also took place off campus, and participants were not taking part during work hours, DCist reported.
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