Although Howard University Hospital’s resident physicians and interns voted to unionize on January 30, residents and their employer have yet to sit down to negotiate their contracts. They moved a step closer to that goal when the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) voted to recognize the results of the January election earlier this week.
During the unionization process, employers may recognize a union and respect a majority vote, at which point the two sides may agree to begin bargaining. Howard University Hospital chose instead to challenge the results of the election.
The hospital has until April 27 to appeal the NLRB’s decision, indicating that contract negotiations may be further delayed.
An internal email from Howard resident leaders to all resident physicians and interns sent out today read in part, “Hospital administration now must decide whether to recognize the union or continue with a legal challenge. We once again humbly urge hospital administration to recognize the union of interns, residents, chief residents and fellows of Howard Hospital once and for all, so that we can all positively expend our resources and intelligence for the betterment and long-term survival of the hospital.”
The majority of the 263 Howard residents voted to join the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR/SEIU Healthcare) on January 15 and 16. A CIR/SEIU representative said that, after the election, the hospital had one week to challenge the decision. The hospital chose to do so, on the basis of what CIR/SEIU is calling “technicalities.”
Local politicians have begun to weigh in on the matter. DC Councilwoman Elissa Silverman said in a statement this morning, “Now that the hospital’s challenge has been dismissed, I urge Howard University Hospital administration to negotiate in good faith with resident physicians.” Councilwoman Silverman could not be reached for further comment.
