As we come to the end of another year at Jackson Health System, it’s worth taking a quick look at all we’ve accomplished together in 2014!
Better Pay and Benefits: After years of wage stagnation, members successfully fought to get back our 5% healthcare contribution, a big win that took months of battle with County Mayor Carlos Gimenez. In February, the County Commission finally sided with union members and lived up to promises made during the darkest days of the recession.
That wasn’t all! In addition to that important win, Local 1991 members earned a 2% gain-sharing payment in March for helping Jackson achieve financial stability.
In the summer, negotiations began on the 2014-2017 contracts. Months of bargaining by a dedicated team of members resulted in one of the best contracts on record. Among the long list of benefits, members got a 2% bonus, the return of step raises and fixed wage compression issues for many caught in the recession.
A Better Jackson: Coming off a successful bid to help JHS win its $830 bond referendum, Local 1991 members turned their attention to addressing issues inside the hospital system.
Easily the most groundbreaking success came with the new contracts, which mandate unprecedented nurse to patient staffing ratios throughout the system. The contracts also established a new partnership that will allow us a seat at the table to make recommendations and participate in efficiency and sustainability efforts.
Additionally, members in various units, from the ER to Trauma to Mental Health, waged campaigns throughout the year in their units to improve staffing, efficiency and other measures of quality healthcare.
Company 300 employees also voted to join Local 1991, adding strength and unity to our member team!
Better Politics: Local 1991 members were front and center on countless issues locally and at the state and national level. About 100 members traveled to Tallahassee to fight for JHS funding and Medicaid expansion and protect pensions.
Nationally, members worked on immigration reform, raising the minimum wage and various social justice issues. Locally, members worked hard to elect County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, State Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez and other progressive champions.
Through it all, we came together as only Local 1991 members can to make Jackson a better place for employees, patients and the community that depends on us.
We can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store!