Contact: Ed Gilhuly
egilhuly@leftcom.com | 305-807-6906

1199SEIU Statement on Tampa Mayor’s $15 Minimum Wage Announcement

Statement by Merline Thomas, a Certified Nursing Assistant at University Village nursing home in Tampa and a member of the 1199SEIU Healthcare Workers East union, in response to Tampa Mayor Jane Castor’s announcement that all city employees will earn at least a minimum wage of $15 per hour.

“I’m proud of our Mayor Castor who realizes that working people are struggling to support their children and families. This is smart compassionate leadership and a step in the right direction for Tampa Bay.  As a CNA in a nursing home, I know how hard it can be to make ends meet.  After 20 years on the job, I still make less than $15 per hour and have to make some hard choices when it comes to paying bills.  My coworkers and I provide care to others, but we struggle to care for our own families.  Many healthcare workers can’t even afford our own health coverage. Hard work deserves a fair living wage and I hope many more cities and companies will soon follow Mayor Castor’s lead.” – Merline Thomas, CNA at University Village nursing home and a member of 1199SEIU Healthcare Workers East.

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1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East Florida represents more than 24,000 nurses and healthcare workers throughout the state.  The organization 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.