Dozens of caregivers, dietary workers, housekeepers and other employees at Hialeah Nursing and Rehabilitation Center have a reason to smile. That’s because their perseverance and solidarity to fight for a good contract has paid off. Together, these dedicated caregivers fought for and won a deal that will put more money in their pockets, enable them to plan and save for retirement and protect their livelihoods if a new owner steps in one day to buy the facility.

Highlights of the three-year deal include higher minimum wages—pay that is equal to or above industry averages in South Florida. The agreement also calls for increased employer contributions to employee 401k plans. And there is new successorship language that will keep this agreement in tact if the facility is sold to a new owner.

As with any negotiation process, it took a strong and unified bargaining committee to fight for a deal that will benefit all workers. From CNAs to maintenance, the higher minimum wages will help uplift these hardworking individuals, so they can provide for their families.