1199SEIU Florida members at eight Airamed nursing homes banded together early and showed management they meant business. The bargaining committee was able to secure the raises for all employees, including raising the minimums for certified nursing assistants and cooks, as well as for dietary, housekeeping and other. The increases will take place over the next two years.

Here are some of the details of the news contract:

1. Across the board 2% increase effective July 1, 2016
2. Across the board 1.5% or .20 cents, whichever is greater effective January and July 2017, 2018, and 2019 (equals a 3% annual for the life of the contract.)
3. Additional increases: $.10 cents per hour for employees with tenure of 10 years of service annually.
4. Minimums raised for:
   1. C.N.A’s/Cooks – Minimums will increase to $10.00; then, $10.25 in 2017 and $10.75 in 2018.
   2. C.N.A’s/Cooks – Minimums will increase to $10.00; then, $10.25 in 2017 and $10.75 in 2018.
      

The company agreed to language around the Prospective Payment System and a reopener if that occurs. The company also stated across the table that they want to partner with 1199 to get the bill passed.