In May, about 800 resident doctors and fellows at the University at Buffalo, who staff hospitals across the region, voted to join the Union of American Physicians and Dentists.
Residents and fellows are organizing at some other universities around the country, as well, said Cary Lane, an organizer/representative with the UAPD.
“This is fairly new, but it’s gaining momentum very, very quickly, because their workplace conditions needed improvement,” Lane said. “That’s the bottom line. They’re overworked and they’re underpaid.”
Lane said the local members received strong support from other area unions for their campaign.
“I think that doctors realizing other unions in Buffalo had their back was essential,” he said.