Talks between over 800 resident physicians at the University at Buffalo (N.Y.) and University Medical Resident Services are at a stalemate after the union representing the physicians rejected the university's most recent offer, reported WIVB News 4 Aug. 28.
The latest offer from UMRS was submitted to the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, who represent the medical residents, on Aug. 26. This offer called for sliding-scale raises between 6.6% and 10.85% from 2024-2025, 5.48% to 10% from 2025-2026 and 3.5% to 9% from 2026-2027.
The union said in a statement to WIVB News 4 that the offer does not address retirement benefits, hazard pay or training stipends, among other benefits. The union is also extending its intended strike to last four days instead of an initial three, which starts Sept 3. The strike will include hospitals across the area with picketing focused on Buffalo General Hospital. Residents at the Buffalo VA Medical Center will not strike there while on duty for contractual reasons.
The physicians said they seek higher wages, affordable healthcare for themselves and "dignity and respect" in the workplace. Union officials say that there are some physicians working up to 80 hours per week, which reduces their pay to minimum wage. UB resident physicians work at multiple hospitals across the region and the union claims they are among the lowest-paid resident physicians in the state.