Florida members are organizing an unstoppable force to advance the proud history of winning worker power in the Sunshine State.

Expanding the union movement in Florida is not easy. 1199 Delegates there face more challenges than most. Many workers lack key protections, and the union has few allies in Tallahassee, the state capital. But Florida union leaders are not letting these obstacles stand in their way. If anything, they are more determined than ever to find creative ways to build worker power and demonstrate how to make what seems impossible, possible.

In August, the Florida division launched a "blitz" aimed at recruiting hundreds of new dues-paying members, developing new leaders among the existing membership, and identifying new contributors to the 1199SEIU Political Action Fund (PAC).

Janice Youngs, an 1199 CNA (far right), stands with Angie Nixon, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, during an HCA West contract rally alongside two 1199 officers.

Building New Leaders

Elizabeth Jazon, an 1199 Delegate and RN at UHealth Tower University of Miami Hospital for 18 years, is one of the seasoned leaders actively mentoring the next generation of union activists.

“One of the things I always say to new Delegates is don't be afraid. You have power when you are in the right.”

Jazon encourages newer Delegates to join her when she speaks with management so they can build confidence and learn how to advocate for members effectively.

For example, while Jazon was out on leave recently, a supervisor on her unit attempted to impose a new vacation scheduling practice. Management wanted union employees contracted to work three days per week to request five vacation days if they wanted to be removed from the schedule for a full week.

“I went to HR and reminded them that any changes to holiday arrangements need to be negotiated with our Union. The manager had to back down and we returned to the way we had always done it.”

Jazon also pointed to the August 18 Democratic primary victory of Angie Nixon in Florida's U.S. Senate race as an encouraging development for working people.

“The leaders we elect make a world of difference. They can help us or they can destroy us.”

Spreading the Word

Sarah Chrisofferson, an 1199 Delegate and RN at Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach, also drew inspiration from Nixon's primary win. After meeting the candidate at an 1199 Delegate Assembly in New York, she became convinced Nixon was committed to improving conditions for working people.

“She is not trying to climb the ladder and get status. She is trying to effect positive change for working people.”

“She's a real Floridian, from Jacksonville. She's one of us. It's clear that she supports healthcare workers who provide real care in Florida.”

Chrisofferson has already begun talking with coworkers and community members about the election and the issues at stake.

“I know my audience and it is about a 50-50 split on my unit. There are some people's minds I won't be able to change. Just spreading the word is important, though.”

One Conversation at a Time

Some of the newer Delegates, including Teka Kane, a Patient Care Technician at HCA West near Tampa, can relate to the hesitation that many coworkers initially feel about becoming involved in the union. Kane joined 1199 three years ago after another Delegate helped her understand the broader role the union plays in workers' lives.

Today, she uses those experiences when welcoming new members.

“Now, when I'm doing new member orientation as a Delegate, I like to share real-life experiences of situations where our Union was vital in making sure that management did the right thing instead of brushing things under the rug.”

Kane recalled a recent incident involving a Clinical Nurse Coordinator who was on light duty due to a temporary disability. The supervisor attempted to have a union member working as a Unit Secretary float to another department so the coordinator could avoid working there instead.

“With our help, the member was able to reverse the situation and was no longer required to float out.”

The experience ultimately showed the worker the value of speaking up and becoming engaged in the union.

“The whole experience helped him to see the value of speaking out and being involved in our Union.”

“Don't be afraid. You have power when you are in the right.”

— Elizabeth Jazon, 1199 Delegate and RN at UHealth Tower University of Miami Hospital