The member-led 1199SEIU Florida bargaining committees for Florida Medical Center, North Shore Medical Center and Palmetto General Hospital have launched a collaborative approach to contract negotiations with Health Systems of America (HSA) that quickly has delivered positive results.

The approach, known as interest-based bargaining, is aimed at recognizing and lifting up all workers, rewarding experience, and delivering the best possible patient care at the important South Florida medical centers.

The 1199SEIU Florida bargaining committees are encouraged by HSA's desire to rebuild trust with the workforce and the community.

“We’ve talked about respecting each other, a pay raise and communication and I’m very pleased with what I hear,” said Jeanette Blair, a CNA at Florida Medical Center. “I want to see people paid in a way that recognizes our experience.”

“We’ve given HSA good feedback on what we want to see happen for everyone to succeed,” said Wanda Jenkins, Supply Chain Coordinator at North Shore Medical Center who invited co-workers to join negotiations and share their story to make even greater progress.

Michelle Richemond, Nursing Assistant at Palmetto General Hospital added, “I think we can get a good result for both parties. I want all my co-workers to get involved so HSA can listen to all our voices.”

Workers should contact their 1199SEIU organizer to learn more or to join the bargaining committee at their facility.