Housestaff at the University of New Mexico Vote to Join CIR

Nearly 500 resident physicians, interns, and fellows vote to form a union

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, January 31, 2007  -- Nearly 500 interns, residents and fellows at the University of New Mexico overwhelmingly voted to join together for a stronger voice in the delivery of patient care at their hospital.  Residents voted 222-99 to form a union through the Committee of Interns and Residents/SEIU.

“We all got into medicine to deliver the highest quality of care to our patients.  Joining together gives us the voice we need – in our hospitals and in the state legislature - to make that happen,” said Dr. Libby Watch, Chief Resident, Surgery. “We’re excited about working cooperatively with the administration to make our hospital an even better place to give and receive care.”

Residents at UNM are looking forward to reaching an agreement with management that improves the quality of life for both doctors and patients.  Key issues include improved health benefits for the doctors themselves, as well as being able to use their frontline health care experience to play a role in influencing statewide health care policies affecting the growing number of uninsured New Mexico children and families.

The University of New Mexico Labor Relations Board will make the results of the election official on February 8, 2007. 

For more information, visit the campaign website at http://www.unmcir.org/