Los Angeles, Calif. – Anesthesiologists represented by the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) will hold an informational picket on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on the corner of West Third Street and South San Vicente Boulevard to call attention to rising patient safety concerns, management’s refusal to make progress in contract negotiations, and the retaliatory discharge of a respected anesthesiologist and union leader.
“Anesthesiologists working at Cedars-Sinai formed a union because of deep concerns for patient safety,” Igor Kagan, UAPD representative, said. “Unfortunately, while we work hard at the negotiating table to address these concerns, there doesn’t seem to be much motivation on management’s end to resolve the serious issues that put patients at risk. The longer they stall, the more challenging it becomes to recruit and retain qualified anesthesiologists.”
The anesthesiologists, employed by Beverly Anesthesiology, Inc. to provide services at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, have reported poor scheduling practices, short-staffing, and a lack of breaks. For the past several years, many have raised concerns about the long-term risk to patient safety and quality of care. In addition, cuts to pay and benefits have made it difficult to retain highly-skilled anesthesiologists.
The picket comes amid growing frustrations over stalled negotiations for their first union contract. The anesthesiologists voted overwhelmingly to unionize with the UAPD in January 2024, the results were then certified by the National Labor Relations Board. Negotiations began with hospital administration in May 2024. Since then, the employer has failed to address the concerns about provider well-being and effects on patient care.
Tensions escalated recently when an anesthesiologist was terminated after publicly raising concerns about working conditions. The UAPD has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB due to the retaliatory nature of the firing.
Anesthesiologists have a critical role in ensuring patient safety during surgical care. With no contract in place and no resolution, they are speaking out to protect both their patients and the integrity of their profession.