The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) is urging Philips Healthcare to finalize a first contract with 17 Field Service Engineers (FSEs) in San Diego. These engineers, who joined the IAM in Fall 2024, are responsible for maintaining and repairing hospital imaging and diagnostic systems across San Diego and the Inland Empire.
Negotiations between the bargaining committee and Philips have been ongoing since January 2025. The union states that Philips has not engaged in good faith efforts to establish industry-standard wage structures, safety protections, and training commitments for workers who service critical medical equipment such as CT, MRI, X-ray, and Ultrasound systems.
The FSEs are seeking compensation that reflects their specialized skills, better pay for overnight and emergency calls, paid training opportunities, enhanced safety measures, predictable schedules, and fair reimbursement for job-related travel. According to the IAM Union, these changes aim to prevent worker burnout and ensure reliable operation of essential hospital imaging systems.
IAM leaders express concern that delays at the negotiating table are creating instability among workers vital to regional healthcare operations. “These engineers are the invisible backbone of our healthcare system,” said IAM Union Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “Without them, hospitals cannot diagnose strokes, detect cancers, or deliver timely emergency care. Philips must recognize their skill, respect their critical role, and negotiate a contract that protects both workers and patients.”
The union plans to continue highlighting this issue publicly until an agreement is reached after nearly a year of negotiations. “Philips has the opportunity right now to be a leader in patient safety, worker retention, and healthcare quality,” said IAM Union District 725 Assistant Directing Business Representative Justin Mauldin. “We are urging the company to come to the table with real solutions so these workers can continue performing their life-saving roles without being stretched thin.”
The IAM Union represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries throughout North America.
