More than two hundred 1199SEIU Florida delegates and leaders gathered at the 2024 Delegate Assembly for a celebration of their efforts and achievements on behalf of fellow union members and healthcare workers in the face of great challenges throughout the year.

In Long-Term Care, delegates played a key role in an intensive bargaining campaign resulting in improved wages, protections and safer staffing levels at almost 50 Florida nursing homes in which contracts were expiring.  

Hospital successes included ratification of another strong contract and productive relationship with UHeath Tower management.  And while the bankruptcy and corporate mismanagement at Steward Health Care was a blow to patients, communities and caregivers; delegates were critical in protecting members and earning our union an important appointment on the Department of Justice-led committee overseeing the bankruptcy. Delegates also led the charge in preparing for contract negotiations at Tenet facilities, as well as building team spirit and a culture of member power at HCA hospitals.

Growing our membership numbers is critical in maximizing worker power. At the 2024 Delegate Assembly, dozens of leaders were celebrated for their recruitment success. More than 50 delegates signed up more than 10 new workers each in 2024, led by Debra Williams who brought in an amazing 160 new members to our union family.     

Amplifying our union’s collective voice is another key to success, and new awards were presented to Jackie Wheeler as Digital Activist of the Year, as well as Sophia Colley and Amy Runkle for Spokesperson of the Year for their leadership in social and news media outreach and many other communication efforts. 

In a very difficult political year especially on the national level, there were numerous important election wins here in Florida made possible only by the delegate-led door-knocking, phone-banking and many other activities recapped at the event.

Special guest presentations included April Verrett -- SEIU International President and George Gresham -- 1199SEIU President, a training workshop on racial justice, and lessons learned in 2024 to improve our workplaces and communities in 2025 and beyond.

“Our delegates display an immense amount of talent and energy to strengthen the lives of our union family, all workers and Floridians,” said Roxey Nelson, 1199SEIU Florida Executive Vice President. “I’m very proud to serve with and for all of these amazing individuals, and to share in the celebration of their important accomplishments.”   

For more information on becoming a union delegate, contact your 1199SEIU facility organizer.