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 maintain and repair hospital imaging and diagnostic equipment across San Diego and the Inland Empire, voted to join the IAM in fall 2024.
Negotiations between the union and Philips began in January 2025. According to the IAM, Philips has resisted efforts to establish industry-standard wages, safety protections, and training commitments for workers responsible for maintaining critical medical equipment such as CT, MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound systems.
Field Service Engineers are seeking fair pay that matches their advanced technical skills. They also want improved compensation for overnight and emergency work, paid training opportunities, stronger safety measures, predictable schedules, and better reimbursement for travel required by their jobs. The union argues these changes would help prevent worker burnout and support reliable operation of essential hospital imaging systems.
IAM leaders say delays at the bargaining table are creating tension within a workforce vital to regional healthcare 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 union states it will continue efforts to raise awareness about the lack of a 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 approximately 600,000 active and retired members across multiple industries in North America.
