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Forms & Requests
Workplace Support
For workplace issues involving pay, scheduling, leave, discipline, remediation, contract violations, or other concerns.
For residents or fellows placed on a PIP, remediation plan, probation, non-renewal concern, or other training-related process.
Education & Training
For concerns related to curriculum, supervision, didactics, rotation structure, evaluations, educational time, or training quality.
For patient care, workflow, staffing, or systems issues affecting residents, fellows, or patients.Safety,
For safety concerns, workplace hazards, staffing issues, facilities concerns, or working conditions.
Get Involved
For residents and fellows who want to become dues-paying members.
For members interested in joining the board, becoming a department representative, or serving on a committee.
Union Member Benefits
Benefits for HSA-Represented Housestaff
These benefits are negotiated through the HSA contract and apply to eligible housestaff in the bargaining unit.
Salary & Raises
HSA negotiates salary schedules and wage increases through the collective bargaining agreement. Salary increases are based on PGY level and negotiated contract increases.
Meal Stipend
HSA has negotiated a meal stipend for housestaff. Under the current extension agreement, the meal stipend increased to $240 per pay period.
Educational Stipend
Housestaff receive an educational stipend that can be used for eligible educational expenses, including conference expenses, study materials, exams, smartphones, laptops, and other approved training-related costs.
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
Eligible housestaff have access to health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance through Cook County Health. Details are available in the HSA contract and through Cook County benefits materials.
Disability Insurance
Eligible housestaff receive disability insurance coverage through the HSA Benefit Trust. HSA also provides information about optional additional disability coverage for members.
Paid Leave & Holidays
The HSA contract includes protections for paid time off, sick leave, bereavement leave, holidays, paid parental leave, and other forms of leave. The current agreement includes additional holiday protections, including Pulaski Day and Juneteenth.
Representation & Contract Enforcement
HSA represents housestaff in enforcing the contract and addressing workplace issues, including concerns related to pay, scheduling, leave, remediation, discipline, reimbursements, safety, and working conditions.
Additional Benefits for Dues-Paying HSA Members
Dues-paying HSA members help fund the work needed to bargain strong contracts, enforce the agreement, support members, and organize around workplace issues.
Members may also access additional union benefits and resources through HSA, NUHHCE, AFSCME, and Union Plus, including:
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Optional additional disability insurance opportunities
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AFSCME Advantage benefits
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Union Plus discounts and resources
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Legal service discounts
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Home and renters insurance options
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Auto insurance and car rental discounts
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Moving discounts
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Additional member-only resources and support
Need Help Accessing a Benefit?
If you have questions about salary, stipends, reimbursements, disability insurance, leave, health insurance, or other benefits, contact HSA.
Benefits available only to HSA members:
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Additional disability insurance coverage
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Opportunity for HSA members to purchase additional Guaranteed Standard Issue (GSI) disability coverage with benefits that include:
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No medical underwriting
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Options of $2,500, $5,000, or $7,500/month or above (on year graduation) for non-cancellable/guaranteed renewable coverage
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15% discount from gender-neutral rates
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Contact an insurance rep here.
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Disability insurance
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Premium is paid by the HSA, so no direct cost to house staff. The plan is through Northwestern Mutual.
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Maximum monthly benefit is $2,500.
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Benefits accrue on the 91st day of disability.
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Benefits are payable until your Social Security normal retirement age.
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Able to convert to personal plan after residency.
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Full plan available here.
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Employer assistance program
Disability insurance terms, eligibility, rates, and coverage options may vary. Please review the full plan documents and speak with the insurance representative for details.
Become an HSA member today!
HSA dues are 1% of the PGY2 salary, but the benefits of union membership are invaluable. Over the last fifty years, our union has worked tirelessly to secure better salaries, improved working conditions, and enhanced benefits for the Housestaff at Cook County. As interns, residents, and fellows, we are on the front lines of patient care, and our work conditions directly affect the quality of care we provide. By coming together as a union, we strengthen our commitment to advocating for changes that ensure our patients receive the best possible treatment. When residents are empowered and supported, they can focus more on patient well-being rather than facing challenges alone.