The University of Michigan House Officers Association (HOA) ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement today with Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan.

The agreement was almost unanimously approved Thursday after a vote by the 1,300-member HOA, which represents interns, residents and fellows throughout Michigan Medicine.

“We believe this contract demonstrates our recognition of the importance of our house officers in our delivery of outstanding patient care,” said David Spahlinger, M.D., president of the University of Michigan Health System and executive vice dean for clinical affairs of the U-M Medical School.

 “Our top priority is ensuring our patients get the best care possible. Our house officers play a crucial role in that effort, at the same time they are continuing their education and often managing large amounts of student debt. This agreement shows that by investing in them, we invest in our mission.”

The contract includes salary increases in each year, ranging from 2.4 to 3.25 percent.

“We are also pleased to offer multiple initiatives in this contract to support wellness and reduce stress and burnout among the house officers,” Spahlinger said.

These include six weeks of paid parental leave, rules protecting scheduled vacations, an additional personal day and improved advance notice of schedules.

“This new agreement goes a long way to address the needs of our house officers and was overwhelmingly accepted by our members.  We’ve never had this kind of response in the nine years I’ve been fortunate enough to work with these future leaders,” said Robin Tarter, HOA Executive Director.

Spahlinger said the positive outcome is encouraging, especially since it was accomplished during a pandemic. The house officers were a critical part of Michigan Medicine’s response to COVID-19.

“I want to congratulate the negotiating team members, and we look forward to a continuing partnership with the HOA,” he said.