In Support of Primary Care Physicians at Mass General Brighams.

WHEREAS: The Somerville City Council recognizes the invaluable service that healthcare workers provide for the wellbeing of our constituents and has affirmed the importance of their ability to unionize for better working conditions and pay in items such as resolutions 211810 and 24-1687; and WHEREAS: Nearly 300 primary care physicians at Mass General Brigham (MGB) filed with the National Labor Relations Board to join the Doctors Council of the Service Employees International Union, Local 10MD, after presenting their signed union cards to MGB; and WHEREAS: These physicians have complained about a vicious cycle of short staffing that leads to unsustainable workloads, an ever-increasing list of responsibilities, and inadequate pay for the hours worked, which leads to frequent turnover; and WHEREAS: This kind of administrator-led decision-making can lead to poorer health outcomes for patients who are unable to receive adequate attention due to physician workloads; and WHEREAS: Mass General Brigham has both its headquarters and a primary care office in Somerville; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council urges Mass General Brigham to negotiate in good faith and with urgency with its primary care physicians.