UC resident physicians urge regents to intervene as bargaining stalls

UCLA resident physicians who spoke during the Jan. 26 University of California Health Services Committee public comment period told the regents that bargaining with the UC Office of the President has stalled.

"We are 6 months into bargaining with only 3 tentative agreements made," said Dr. Diana Dayal, an emergency medicine resident and leader in the residents and fellows union, citing frustration that UCOP arrived at a recent meeting with "0 proposals and no counters." She called for a fair salary increase across the board, improved retirement benefits, safe staffing and proper equipment, including radiation protection.

Dr. Bridal Kohn Chi, a neurology resident at UCLA, urged the regents to oversee President Milliken's office and press for fair bargaining. "It is your duty to oversee the UC president's office and ensure that bargaining is fair," she said, and warned that residents could withhold labor starting July 1 if progress is not made.

Speakers said the concerns affect roughly 6,500 physician colleagues across the UC system and tied working conditions to patient-care outcomes. Commenters requested more transparent bargaining processes such as virtual open bargaining sessions so residents can observe and trust the process.

The regents did not respond during public comment; no formal board action on bargaining was recorded during the open session.