This week, a mediator from the Michigan Employee Relations Commission joined our teams to support positive, solutions-oriented discussions. The University recognizes and appreciates the significant work both teams have undertaken to date and looks forward to continued good faith efforts to resolve the remaining issues on the table through mediation.

Discussion continued around matters related to the allotment and distribution of parking passes in a way that provides assurances to house officers about continued access to certain existing special programs, while assuring that the University can continue to administer its parking program in a way that supports access to parking by patients, faculty and staff. The union has indicated they will propose new language on this matter soon.

The teams also continued to discuss the compensation package, which includes salary, payment to encourage savings, Chief Resident stipend, USMLE Step 3 reimbursement, meals, and committee membership. In an effort to meet HOA interests related to certain elements of the compensation package, the University reconfigured portions of this package. The University is honoring compensation offers made to the HOA before the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, in recognition of the unique position house officers hold as both learners and caregivers at Michigan Medicine.

The HOA continues to reject the compensation package the University has offered, despite the institution’s efforts to advance all aspects of the house officer experience amidst unprecedented operational and financial challenges brought on by the pandemic. The union also continues to indicate they will not offer a counterproposal until the University increases its compensation offer.

The University remains committed to jointly developing solutions that achieve our goals of fostering the best environment in which house officers can learn, train and grow, professionally and personally.

Our next bargaining session is scheduled for Monday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. via teleconference. The University expects to further discussions around all issues, particularly work hours, off campus assignments, and orientation for House Officers in the hopes of reaching tentative agreements in each area.