Hundreds of George Washington University medical residents vote in favor of unionizing

WASHINGTON (7News) — 7News learned Sunday more than 450 residents employed by George Washington University have voted in favor of unionizing. Voting took place on Wednesday and Thursday last week.

The Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), which is a local of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the largest union representing residents in the U.S., says in 2019 it represented over 17,000 residents and fellows and in 2023 now represents over 24,000.

CIR/SEIU also represents residents and fellows at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Howard University Hospital, and Children's National.

The top issues medical residents and fellows plan to push for are securing workplace safety protections, better pay and benefits, as well as improved patient care conditions.

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Medical professionals have complained of burnout, staffing shortags and worsening workplace conditions as the country recovers from the pandemic. The doctors complain of heavy demands and a salary of $64,000 a year.

7News reached out to the residents' employer, the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, for a response to the push to unionize.

GW provided a statement that reads:

"The university encourages all those eligible to vote to do so. Regardless of the outcome, GW remains committed to supporting and training residents and fellows as they prepare for the independent practice of medicine."