The overwhelming majority of healthcare workers at UHealth Tower, formerly the University of Miami hospital, have ratified their new contract. It is a strong contract that includes ratification bonuses, annual wage increases, a higher minimum wage and shift differentials and other provisions that could help improve staffing and retention. 

“I got a huge pay increase because our new contract requires that all my years of experience are counted. This extra money is really appreciated because it will help me cope with increasing housing costs and living expenses,” said certified nursing assistant, Natacha Milford, who shed tears of joy when she found out about her wage increase.

“Nurses, certified nursing assistants, housekeepers, everyone is happy. They are thrilled to get wage increases including a higher minimum wage. Some staff who have not joined with their coworkers yet to unite through 1199SEIU, said they want to join because they see how powerful we are when we stand together,” said Adith Joseph, who works in food services. 

Joseph is one of many workers at UHealth Tower who are members of 1199SEIU, the largest union representing healthcare workers in Florida. Negotiations with the 1199SEIU bargaining committee and UHealth Tower leadership lasted about 6 months. It was a long road that was not always smooth, but because it was interest based bargaining, both sides were committed to keep the lines of communication open and treat everyone with respect. 

“It was important to keep our spirits up because we experienced highs and lows throughout this process. But in the end, we are at a better place than when we started,” explained Virginia Kondras, APRN and 1199SEIU bargaining team member. 

Among the highlights of the new contract is a provision that calls for creating a jobs committee – a group that includes 1199SEIU members and management. This committee will address recruitment, retention, use of agency workers and wage equity issues.

“It is not just about wages, it is quality of work, fairness, time off and work conditions that improve your workday, said RN and Case Manager Dionne Ferguson. “Our union makes a big difference, the voices sticking together, it helps.  One union one voice.”