A union is an organized group of coworkers advocating to improve their working conditions through contract negotiations and collective actions. Forming a union is the only way to negotiate a legally binding contract with hospital management that ensures housestaff have a voice in the process.

The Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) is the largest housestaff union in the United States, representing over 40,000 resident physicians and fellows who are dedicated to improving residency training and education, advancing patient care, and expanding healthcare access for our communities. CIR is a union run by residents – for residents.

The Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) is a union run by residents, for residents. Founded in 1957, it is the largest housestaff union, representing over 40,000 resident physicians  across the country.

Interns, residents and fellows or med students matching into programs.

The first thing you can do is start talking to trusted coworkers about issues you’re experiencing at work. The process of forming a union may differ based on your employer and location. For more information about how to organize and build resident power in your context, schedule a conversation with a CIR organizer.

CIR is a member-led union, meaning residents and fellows are at the core of what we do. The first step is to click here to connect with us, and a CIR organizer will follow-up and explain possible next steps specific to your hospital. You will be supported by CIR staff organizers to guide you through the process.

Successful union efforts are grounded in having one on one conversations with coworkers, addressing concerns, answering questions, and explaining why unionizing can address housestaff workplace issues – all while cultivating and strengthening interpersonal relationships and cross-departmental dialogue.

All workers in the US, regardless of immigration status, have a legal right to engage in collective action. This includes joining a union! 

In fact, millions of workers who are visa holders in the US are proud union members. You may be worried that supporting a union will cause you to be unfairly singled out, leading to negative consequences for your career, professional relationships, or visa status, but we’ve got your back! Foreign national residents have always been an important part of our union and continue to be proud members, part of bargaining teams, and union leaders in their workplace.

There’s strength in numbers and power in being a union member – CIR uses a team of lawyers and staff to advocate and defend our members’ rights. CIR represents thousands of housestaff on H1-B and J-1 visas and our union leaders have gone on to great careers post-residency. 

You have the right to form, or attempt to form, a union in your workplace.

You have the right to discuss improving your working conditions with your coworkers.

You have the legal right to engage in collective action.

By law, employers are prohibited from doing the following (click to open).