This May, Oceanside Extended Care Center employees ended an epic union contract negotiations battle on a victorious note by renewing their union contract with stronger wages, hours and job security.



For three years, the workers at the Miami Beach facility endured last-minute negotiation cancellations, disrespect at the bargaining table, drastic take-away proposals and numerous unreturned attempts to set bargaining sessions. The frustrated workers organized a 60-employee march on the boss with a petition demanding resumed negotiations, a Valentine’s Day picket calling on Oceanside management to “have a heart” and several legal charges with the National Labor Relations Board.



The three-year fight with Oceanside management meant more than 150 certified nursing assistants (CNAs), therapists, dietary workers, laundry aides and housekeeping staff had not seen a raise for several years and many could not keep up with increases to their cost of living.



“We got the same excuses for three years. It was a roller coaster,” explained Pamela Myers, a dietary supervisor who has worked at Oceanside for 14 years. “Our wages were at a standstill. Every time I renewed my lease, my rent went up, but our wages stay the same.”



In addition to wage increases, some of the highlights of the Oceanside contract are the guaranteed work week for employees increased from 37.5 to 40 hours, no newly hired employee shall earn a higher rate of pay than current employees, and job security in the case of employer transfer.



“Our contract was a long time coming. We fought a battle! People were tired and ready to get it done.” said Myers.