TENTATIVE LABOR/MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS REACHED
Miami, FL – Jackson Health System and SEIU Local 1991 have signed tentative agreements for three-year contracts for nurses and other healthcare professionals. The ground-breaking contracts – hammered out over several months – end a wage freeze that began in 2010 and establish a unique partnership between employees and management to continue providing quality healthcare delivery across the system.
The contracts, which were approved by the Public Health Trust Board of Trustees at today’s public meeting, are subject to a ratification vote by employees later this week. The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners must also approve the agreements.
Contract highlights include:
· A labor-management partnership giving the union a seat at the table in decisions about how to most effectively deliver high quality health care at Jackson
· Continuation of a previous agreement not to outsource emergency department services at Jackson Memorial Hospital and protecting the ER jobs of physicians, physician assistants, and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) throughout the system
· Mandated nurse-to-patient staffing ratios to ensure the highest quality patient experience
· Establishment of a “Jackson First” health plan option that will make coverage more affordable for employees with families, while also encouraging employees to use Jackson services and facilities
· Creation of a new salary step schedule and an immediate 2 percent one-time payment to employees – together, these create a compensation plan to help attract and retain world-class caregivers while still protecting Jackson’s long-term sustainability and growth plans.
“This is a contract that will be looked at by unions and employers across the country as a model of progress,” said Martha Baker, R.N., President of SEIU Local 1991, which represents the nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals at Jackson Health System. “It’s a win-win-win for Jackson’s healthcare workers, management and our patients.”
“Our labor unions and management leaders came together to work towards a common goal – and I am so proud of the outcome,” said Carlos A. Migoya, president and CEO of Jackson Health System. “This contract strikes the perfect balance between rewarding employees who have sacrificed so much over the last few years, helping us retain our talented workforce and allowing Jackson to remain sustainable for future generations.”