Deal Boosts Employee Wages, Focuses on Retention and Patient Care
Union members from 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East - Florida and management officials at University of Miami Hospital (UMH) have reached a labor agreement to boost wages, working conditions and resulting patient care at the 560-room, acute-care facility.
The new deal will raise the minimum pay for union-represented employees to $11 per hour; deliver a two percent increase for all full- and part-time union employees, with higher potential increases depending on job classification, experience and other factors; improve overtime procedures; and provide training and a variety of additional job-protection allowances.
Miramar-based 1199SEIU Florida represents over 2,100 employees at University of Miami Hospital, including nurses certified in various specialties, as well as technicians, maintenance, food service and other healthcare personnel.
The improved pay and other benefits are designed to allow the hospital to retain and recruit top talent, and provide superior patient care at the flagship facility for UHeath – University of Miami Health System.
“We’re pleased to have a strong labor-management relationship that benefits the outstanding and dedicated staff members, our institution, and especially our patients,” said Chiquita Brunson, a Service Response Representative and 1199SEIU delegate. “This new agreement reinforces the partnership and the hospital’s role as a healthcare leader.”
The overall agreement runs for three years. The wage portion of the contract can be reopened in 2018 and 2019.
“In challenging and changing times for many in the healthcare sector, we’re very happy to finalize a new contract that increases wages, improves job stability and gives us a stronger voice at work,” said Alma Georgia, a registered nurse who has served at UMH for over 30 years.
In addition to the benefits to reward and retain talent, the new agreement outlines increased communication and collaboration between staff and management for an improved work environment. These factors ultimately result in better patient care and medical outcomes.
“Caregivers are the first and most critical asset for a health center to deliver quality treatment and service,” said Dequasia Canales, vice president at 1199SEIU. “We work hard on their behalf and with strong partners such as UMH who recognize the importance of this human investment.”
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East Florida represents more than 24,000 nurses and healthcare workers throughout the state and 400,000 workers across Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Florida, and Washington, D.C. 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. Our mission is to achieve affordable, high quality healthcare for all. 1199SEIU is part of the 2.1 million-member Service Employees International Union.
