SAINT PETERSBURG, FL – About 350 healthcare workers in Tampa Bay recently began enjoying the many benefits of 1199SEIU membership in the wake of storm damage at their hospital and then a merger within the HCA Florida hospital system.

 

After flooding and damage at Palms of Pasadena caused by two hurricanes in 2024, Helene and Milton, the hospital now known as HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital has become part of  HCA St. Petersburg Hospital, where workers have been a part of 1199SEIU since 2006.

 

Most of the workers stayed at HCA Pasadena or began working at HCA St. Petersburg, with some transferring to HCA Blake, HCA Largo, HCA Trinity and HCA Northside hospitals, all of which are represented by 1199SEIU.

 

The 1199SEIU bargaining units in these Tampa Bay area hospitals now total about 4,500 staff members in a vast array of direct care and other positions.

 

“We’re very happy to welcome these new co-workers and union family members,” said Karlie Cole, 1199SEIU member leader, delegate and Patient Care Technician at HCA Northside.  “They’re already enjoying the unity and benefits of being part of our organization, as well as helping build a bigger, stronger collective voice in our workplaces.”

 

“The hurricanes that hit our area and started this transition were terrible events,” said Janelle Manigault, 1199SEIU Vice President. “But these dedicated caregivers and important hospital staff who have joined 1199SEIU say the great benefit and opportunity to be part of our union is their silver lining after the storms.”

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 About 1199SEIU: 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest union of healthcare workers in the country representing more than 450,000 nurses and healthcare workers nationwide, including more than 35,000 in nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities throughout Florida.