Resident physicians employed by the Montefiore Health System hit the streets of the Bronx in protest last week as they ramp up the fight for their first-ever union contract. The group of about 1,200 trainee doctors and fellows has yet to reach an agreement with Montefiore since voting in February 2023 to join the Committee of Interns and Residents. Among their demands: a patient care trust fund akin to the one created for NYC Health + Hospitals residents — and fellow CIR members — to pay for equipment and community health programs of their choosing. “We know what we need to do our jobs,” Stephanie Yuen, one of the doctors who spoke at the union’s rally, told the crowd. The doctors accused Montefiore officials of continual delays in the negotiating process and of failing to respond to some of their proposals. In response to a request for comment, Montefiore declined to provide POLITICO with details about its contract proposals and did not directly address the residents’ allegations. “Montefiore is deeply engaged in our current conversations with the Committee of Interns and Residents, and we are committed to creating an agreement that honors the hard work of our house officers in a manner that is sustainable going forward.” Joe Solmonese, Montefiore’s senior vice president for government relations and communications, said in a statement. The rally unfolded at Montefiore’s Moses campus, in the same spot where members of the New York State Nurses Association stood in January of 2023 during a historic three-day strike. Over a year and a half later, the role of organized labor in New York City’s health care industry has remained strong. A recent report by CUNY’s School of Labor and Urban Studies found that nearly 28 percent of all union members across the five boroughs work in health care and social assistance, compared to 12 percent nationally, according to 2023-2024 data. IN OTHER NEWS: — State Health Commissioner James McDonald has issued a statewide standing order allowing pharmacists to administer the two-dose mpox vaccine without a doctor’s prescription, the Department of Health announced Friday. “My standing order allows individuals to get their JYNNEOS vaccine from a pharmacist without first seeking a physician — greatly increasing access to this important layer of protection as we remain vigilant and continue to monitor mpox in the U.S. and abroad,” McDonald said in a statement. “Pharmacists are an important component of our overall health care system and remain a center point of accessible care in our communities.” ON THE AGENDA: — Monday at 9 a.m. The NYC Health + Hospitals board of directors’ medical and professional affairs/information technology committee meets, followed by a meeting of the capital committee. — Tuesday at 2 p.m. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo will testify publicly before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. — Tuesday at 4 p.m. The NYC Health + Hospitals board of directors’ equity, diversity and inclusion committee meets, followed by a meeting of the community relations committee. — Thursday at 10:15 a.m. The state Public Health and Health Planning Council’s codes, regulation and legislation committee will convene, followed by a meeting of the full council. — Friday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The New York State Health Equity Council meets. GOT TIPS? Send story ideas and feedback to Maya Kaufman at mkaufman@politico.com and Katelyn Cordero at kcordero@politico.com. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You’ll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day’s biggest stories.
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