The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) is urging Philips Healthcare to finalize a first contract with 17 Field Service Engineers in San Diego. The engineers, who joined the IAM in Fall 2024, maintain and repair critical hospital imaging and diagnostic equipment across San Diego and the Inland Empire.
Negotiations between the IAM bargaining committee and Philips began in January 2025. According to the union, Philips has not agreed to industry-standard wage structures, safety protections, or training commitments for those responsible for servicing CT, MRI, X-ray, Ultrasound, and other diagnostic systems in regional hospitals and clinics.
The engineers are seeking fair compensation that matches their advanced skills, better pay for overnight and emergency work, paid training opportunities, stronger safety measures, predictable schedules, and appropriate reimbursement for job-related travel. The union states these changes would help reduce burnout among workers while ensuring reliable operation of hospital imaging systems.
IAM leaders say that slow progress at the bargaining table is causing unnecessary stress within this essential workforce. “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 raising awareness about the ongoing delay in reaching an agreement 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 represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries throughout North America.
