On Saturday, June 1st, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a tentative contract agreement between the city, the Committee of Interns and Residents Service Employees International Union (CIR-SEIU), and NYC Health + Hospitals. The agreement, once ratified, will deliver significant wage increases, bonuses, and benefit enhancements for over 2,300 medical interns and residents working in the nation’s largest municipal healthcare system.
The five-year and six-month agreement, retroactive to December 16, 2021, and expiring on June 15, 2027, includes compounded wage increases totaling 16.21%. Starting salaries for residents will rise from the current $66,247 to $81,238 by December 2025. The agreement also provides lump sum payments, an adjustment to the current resident salary schedule to aid in both recruitment and retention, as well as other benefit improvements.
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of fair compensation for hospital workers, who played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our hospital workers were on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, risking their lives to save ours. The least they deserve is a fair wage for their work,” said Mayor Adams. “Today’s announcement will ensure 2,300 medical interns and residents receive the pay and benefits they deserve, while also helping our public hospitals recruit and retain talent so they can keep serving New Yorkers.”
The agreement aligns with the pattern established by the city’s previous contracts with unions, including District Council 37 (DC 37) and others. The Adams administration has successfully negotiated contracts with unions representing over 96 percent of the city’s workforce and 100 percent of the city’s uniformed workforce in record time.
Key components of the tentative agreement include fair wage increases, lump sum payments ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 depending on the hire date, salary schedule adjustments between $1,131 and $4,000 effective May 16, 2024, annual meal payment increase from $3,500 to $3,800, enhanced contributions to contractual funds benefiting residents and patient care, continued discussions on issues affecting residents’ work and well-being.
Renee Campion, Commissioner of the Office of Labor Relations, highlighted the agreement’s benefits for both the residents and the city’s healthcare system. “This contract is a win-win for all parties involved. It provides significant salary and benefit increases to our residents in recognition of the important care they provide to our fellow New Yorkers every day,” Campion said.
Dr. Mitchell Katz, President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, expressed pride in the support the contract offers to residents. “NYC Health + Hospitals is proud to provide an environment where residents can learn, train, and provide high-quality care to New Yorkers,” Katz said.
The total cost of the agreement through Fiscal Year 2028 is $211 million and is fully funded within the city’s Labor Reserve. The agreement must still be ratified by CIR-SEIU’s membership.
