The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has called on Philips Healthcare to finalize a first contract with 17 Field Service Engineers (FSEs) in San Diego. The engineers, who voted to join 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 have been ongoing since January 2025. According to the union, Philips has resisted agreeing to industry-standard wage structures, safety protections, and training commitments for workers who service CT, MRI, X-ray, Ultrasound, and other diagnostic systems at regional hospitals and clinics.
The FSEs are seeking fair pay that reflects their specialized skills as well as improved compensation for overnight and emergency calls. They are also asking for paid training opportunities, enhanced safety measures, predictable schedules, and fair reimbursement for travel required by their jobs. The union says these changes would help prevent worker burnout while supporting the safe operation of hospital imaging systems.
IAM leaders have expressed concern that delays in reaching an agreement are causing instability among workers vital to local medical infrastructure.
“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 IAM stated it will continue efforts to highlight what it describes as unnecessary delays in securing a first contract 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 including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad transit, healthcare, automotive sectors throughout North America.
