The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) is urging Philips Healthcare to reach a first contract agreement with 17 Field Service Engineers in San Diego. The engineers, who voted to join the IAM in Fall 2024, are responsible for maintaining and repairing hospital imaging and diagnostic equipment throughout San Diego and the Inland Empire.
Negotiations between the union’s bargaining committee and Philips began in January 2025. According to the IAM, Philips has not agreed to terms that would establish industry-standard wages, safety measures, or training commitments for those working on CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, and other hospital diagnostic systems.
Field Service Engineers are seeking better pay reflecting their advanced skills, increased compensation for overnight and emergency work, paid training opportunities, stronger safety protections, more predictable schedules, and fair reimbursement for job-related travel. The union argues these improvements are necessary to prevent burnout among workers tasked with ensuring critical hospital equipment functions safely.
IAM leaders say ongoing delays at the bargaining table are creating tension within a workforce considered essential 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 publicizing its concerns about what it describes as prolonged 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 in both the United States and Canada.
