Our proudest moments of 2015

January 15, 2016

Nothing better than starting a new year with a sense of pride of what we accomplished the year before. 2015 was definitely a year to be proud of! In the midst of increasing attacks on working families and our collective power, our Union has remained strong and we have won important victories to make our hospitals, nursing homes and medical centers, better places to work at and receive care. Our members also participated in inspiring moments in our country’s history and strengthened their leadership.

Here are some of our proudest moments of 2015…

1199group_120x100.jpgFlorida’s caregivers joined the Fight for $15

On November 10th, over 2,000 underpaid, hard-working Floridians took the streets to say they’re tired of not being able to support their families with their wages. Our members working at hospitals and nursing homes not only joined the fight but actually led the march in Miami. They shared their stories in several of the over 20 cities throughout the sunshine state, where Floridians came together to demand action from state legislators and presidential candidates to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Read more

FMC_workers_Sept_2015_120x100.jpgSouth Florida Hospital workers stood up for their team and their patients!

All across South Florida, hundreds of caregivers at Tenet-owned hospitals ratified 7 contracts and stopped attempts to decertify their union at one of the hospitals. They are also working together to develop positive solutions to provide quality care for their patients and have a good work environment, like winning safe patient lifting equipment to help prevent caregiver injuries.



Consulate_Coral_Trace_Team_Dec_2015_120x100.jpg

Nursing home workers in Cape Coral, FL voted to join 1199SEIU Florida!

Inspired by the Fight for $15, dozens of caregivers at Coral Trace Health Center in Cape Coral, FL, voted to form a union and became the 18th Consulate nursing home in Florida to join the 1199SEIU family. Consulate Health Care is the largest and most profitable nursing home chain in the country.



HCA_Kendall_120x80.jpgHCA Florida Hospitals increase minimum wage after years of advocacy by 1199 members!

In December, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) affiliated hospitals in Florida agreed to increase the minimum wage to $10.50/hour. After years of demanding fair wages for loyal caregivers at HCA hospitals throughout Florida, we celebrate this victory as a first step in our struggle to win a minimum wage of $15/hour for all of our hardworking caregivers.

Leadership_Academy_2015_120x80.jpgOur leadership continues to grow

Nearly twenty 1199SEIU Florida members participated in the Leadership Academy organized by SEIU Florida. At this training, union members from different locals develop or strengthen their leadership skills to make their chapters stronger and help other members achieve their goals. Strong leaders make a strong union! Click here to see photos of all the participants!