Physician Wins Religious Exemption From Union

A Temple University Hospital resident physician secured a full exemption from paying dues or fees to a residents' union on religious grounds.

Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Unions

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a stone civic building facade with a single red flag on a pole, rendered in navy and cream. — A Temple University Hospital resident physician, Dr. Jacob Agronin, won a full religious exemption from paying dues or fees to a residents' union in October. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Dr. Jacob Agronin, a Jewish physician at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, obtained a full religious exemption from joining or financially supporting the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), SEIU Local 1957, according to an October 9 letter from the union. The accommodation followed intervention by America First Legal.

Why it matters

The exemption came under a collective bargaining agreement that required covered employees to join the union or pay agency fees. Agronin argued that financial support of the union would conflict with his religious beliefs under Jewish law because of the union's stances on Israel.

The union's October 9 letter states Agronin has neither signed a membership card nor paid dues, and CIR represents more than 40,000 resident physicians and fellows nationwide. In May 2024, CIR adopted resolutions accusing Israel of apartheid and genocide and calling for an end to U.S. military aid.

The players

Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), SEIU Local 1957

A national union representing more than 40,000 resident physicians and fellows, affiliated with the Service Employees International Union.

Temple University Hospital

A teaching hospital in Philadelphia affiliated with Temple University's medical school, where Agronin works as a resident physician.

The details

The exemption was secured through a Title VII of the Civil Rights Act claim, according to America First Legal's counsel, who said the case involved Title VII because the union's political positions were being imposed in the workplace. CIR's official stances include endorsement of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.

November 2023: CIR issued a statement on the Israel-Hamas conflict that Agronin criticized.
May 2024: CIR adopted resolutions accusing Israel of apartheid and genocide.
May 2026: Agronin submitted written testimony to a House Education and Workforce subcommittee hearing.
October 9, 2026: CIR confirmed Agronin's exemption in a letter.

Political Context

America First Legal has described the outcome as a potential precedent for other medical trainees who object on religious grounds to union political positions. The case tests whether Title VII religious-accommodation protections extend to union dues and agency-fee obligations tied to a union's stances on Israel.

Union members covered by collective bargaining agreements with agency-fee provisions may be required to pay fees unless they secure a religious or other exemption. Employees who object on religious grounds may need to pursue an accommodation claim to avoid deductions.

The takeaway

Religious objections to union dues can be raised under federal civil rights law, and employers and unions must accommodate valid claims. Workers facing agency-fee requirements should review their contract terms and available exemption procedures.