We had our second bargaining session on Thursday, June 29, from 9 am to 5 pm at the SEIU 1991 office. We continue working very collaboratively with management for the benefit of our patients and our members. Our collective goal is to find efficiencies that will provide our members with the greatest benefits at the most efficient cost structure for the sake of Jackson’s sustainability. With that goal in mind, this session focused on the details for creating a wellness program, which an overwhelming majority of you have supported in your surveys.
While we all agree that a wellness program would add value and improve the health of our members, management is making proposals to change our PL and Extended ILL banks and rules. Your bargaining team needs your involvement. If you haven’t yet completed it, please take just a few minutes to complete your survey today. We also encourage everyone to attend negotiations. The next bargaining session takes place on July 17 at SEIU 1991 (1601 NW 8th Ave., Miami, FL 33136). Bargaining for nurses and healthcare professionals takes place from 10 am to 3 pm, with bargaining for attending physicians happening from 3 pm to 6 pm.
During Thursday’s session, members came and participated directly, engaging in the bargaining process and sharing their thoughts with the team. Gina Corbett, CRNA, attended bargaining negotiations for the first time and commented on how collaborative the process seemed to be. Music Therapist Stephanie Epstein and Child Life Specialist Beda Willis also attended the bargaining session and had the opportunity to share their perspectives and their great work in Holtz Children’s Hospital with the bargaining team and management.
Members also took action on protecting the Affordable Care Act at lunchtime, making calls to voters in other states and urging them to contact their Senators. The current Senate bill would gut Medicaid, hurting our patients and risking millions of healthcare jobs. Jackson would be especially vulnerable, since up to 40% of our patients are covered by Medicaid. Get involved by calling Sen. Marco Rubio at 866-426-2631 anytime.
