AFSCME Local 1363 Secures 4% COLA Amid Inflation Challenges

South Florida Health Workers Rally for Fair Pay Amid Rising Costs

Amidst soaring inflation and the rising cost of living, members of AFSCME Local 1363 in South Florida embarked on a significant effort to secure better wages. Facing a proposal of no pay increase from Jackson Health System (JHS), the largest health care provider in the county, the workers knew they had a challenging path ahead.

"When management proposed a zero-pay increase when groceries prices are way up, when home insurance rates keep jumping up and on and on, we knew we were up for a hard fight," said Elizabeth Segura, a medical secretary at JHS and the recording secretary of AFSCME Local 1363.

In response, AFSCME Local 1363 allied with SEIU Local 1991 and the Committee of Interns and Residents/SEIU, aiming for a 4% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Their strategy was to maintain a united front during negotiations and any subsequent actions.

"We knew that at the end of the day, zero was not going to happen, but we didn’t want them to weaken our power through different offers at the bargaining table," Segura stated. "So, we made sure that we were all in the room together, at the same time, asking for the same thing — what we deserve for the work we do."

The coalition's efforts extended beyond negotiations. In December, a large rally was held at Jackson's main hospital, where workers voiced their demands and leveraged social media to amplify their message, tagging JHS in posts supporting the 4% COLA.

As the holiday season approached, the coalition presented a petition to Carlos Migoya, president and CEO of Jackson Health System, with signatures from numerous county workers, including over 1,000 AFSCME members.

"We made sure we were visible at work with stickers and as much AFSCME green as we could get," Segura explained. "But the action that made the biggest difference was the members turning out every bargaining session to fill the room and show our unity. That is some strength that management won’t soon forget."