1199SEIU represented members of Columbia University’s Support Staff Association settled a three-year contract in December that includes bonuses of 3.5 percent, wage increases of five percent, and greatly improved longevity pay. But they are most pleased and proud of what they didn’t lose; the agreement preserves workers’ healthcare benefits with no premiums.

The contract covers 1,000 workers who provide support to Columbia University Medical School’s research physicians through technical, laboratory, clerical, clinical and library services. Negotiations with Columbia began in July. The wealthy Ivy League university insisted that workers pick up part of the cost of their health benefits. Union members stood firm against the premiums.

In November, members voted in favor of a strike if Columbia refused to bargain in good faith. Workers turned up the heat a bit with an informational picket and rally. On November 20, scores of Columbia workers and other 1199ers braved blustery winter winds to send Columbia a message about fairness.

“We had a really good turnout. People were really concerned about the healthcare issue,” said instrument maker Dennis Keaveney, a negotiating committee co-chairman. “People didn’t want any change in that and it was the area we had the most pushback on. It was the most challenging thing, but once we got that settled everything else really moved.”

Negotiating committee member Consuelo Mora McLoughlin, a senior research worker, praised the committee’s solidarity and focus in achieving their goal. “We went in there knowing no matter what, we are not going to get charged for our health insurance. And we held fast to that principle,” said McLoughlin.

“We felt empowered in a real way during these negotiations,” she added. “That was 1199 unity leading the way. There was no way we would have been able to achieve what we did without 1199 showing us the way.”