City of Somerville header
File #: 25-0065    Version: 1
Type: Resolution Status: Approved
File created: 1/7/2025 In control: City Council
On agenda: 1/9/2025 Final action: 1/9/2025
Enactment date: 1/9/2025 Enactment #: 218144
Title: In Support of Primary Care Physicians at Mass General Brighams.
Sponsors: Willie Burnley Jr., Jesse Clingan, Lance L. Davis, Ben Ewen-Campen, Wilfred N. Mbah, Matthew McLaughlin, Judy Pineda Neufeld, Naima Sait, Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) Scott, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson
Indexes: City Clerk
Attachments: 1. Resolution - MGB

Agenda Summary

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In Support of Primary Care Physicians at Mass General Brighams.

 

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Official Text

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.