SEIU 1991 and Management continued negotiations for a new permanent per diem rate on Thursday, June 6. At the closing of our previous bargaining session, SEIU 1991 had proposed a $55/ hour rate, while Management proposed $42/hour.
Chief negotiator Martha Baker, RN, effectively demonstrated to Management that the nursing leadership at Jackson is very dependent on our per diem nurses and cannot afford to lose ONE. She emphasized this by presenting data on hospital vacancies, overtime, and per diem utilization, illustrating how per diems are the most cost-effective staffing strategy.
Chief Nurse Executive Dr. Carol Biggs, and Chief Nursing Officer Lauren Cutter, RN, took a caucus with Management. They came to the right decision, which is to maintain overlay with a $55/hr maximum for per diems, until we can determine what the market is doing in South Florida.
This is a significant victory not only for all CSN per diem employees but also for all JHS employees and our patients.
A special thanks to our dedicated per diem members Humberto Rodriguez, RN, Victor de Leon, RN, and Adrian Jimenez, RN, for their active participation. This outcome is a clear testament to the collective effort and strength of our union members.
Congratulations on this achievement!