South Florida Health Workers Rally for Fair Cost-of-Living Raise

South Florida Health Care Workers Demand Cost-of-Living Adjustments Amid Economic Pressures

The financial strain in Miami-Dade County, Florida’s most populous area, is leading residents to make tough choices. Many are reducing spending, seeking additional employment, or choosing between paying increasing electric bills and home insurance costs.

In response, health care workers from AFSCME Local 1363 have joined forces with SEIU Local 1991 and the Committee of Interns and Residents/SEIU to advocate for a 4% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in their new contract. These employees, essential to the operation of Jackson Health System (JHS), are seeking adjustments to help cope with the high cost of living in the Miami area.

"We are not asking for more than we deserve. We are not asking for something that is out of line with other county workers, and we are not going to accept getting less than what they are getting in their paychecks," stated William Orange, a nutrition worker and president of Local 1363.

Jackson Health System, a nonprofit overseen by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, initially proposed a 1% COLA along with a 2% one-time bonus, which was rejected by Local 1363. The workers argued that this offer would not sufficiently address the escalating cost of living.

After pressure from the unions, JHS increased their offer to a 2% COLA and a 1% bonus. However, this revised proposal was also turned down as the workers remain firm in their demand for a 4% COLA to ensure enduring financial stability.

"We know this is not about money, this is about the will to do the right thing," Orange emphasized. "When you can afford to give your CEO a 21% pay bump, which is $242,054 in just his base salary, you can afford a 4% COLA. When you want to balance your budget on the backs of workers making $60,000 a year, your priorities are wrong."

The workers are contemplating declaring an impasse in negotiations, a move that has not been made before. The bargaining teams are committed to securing a contract that reflects the contributions and needs of the members.