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The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and SEIU Healthcare Florida have reached an agreement on a union contract for more than 1,000 employees, including nurses, respiratory therapists, dietary workers, custodial and other direct patient care givers at the University of Miami Hospital.
The new 17-month contract was negotiated through a participatory, productive and positive process over the past six weeks that sets the stage for an effective partnership between the union and the University of Miami Hospital.
"This is a new beginning as we forge an important partnership with the union and work together toward providing the best care possible for our patients," said William Donelan, vice president for medical administration and chief operating and strategy officer at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. "We want to send a message that our employees are valued, listened to and members of a dedicated team, because all of this translates into making the University of Miami Hospital one of the premier hospitals in South Florida."
"This agreement sets the groundwork for improving the quality of care we provide to our community," said Monica Russo, president, SEIU Healthcare Florida. "When healthcare workers have a forum to speak up for their patients, everyone benefits."
Union members share the University of Miami's vision for healthcare in South Florida. "We are looking forward to working with the University of Miami to make the hospital a destination for not only patients, but for nurses and healthcare professionals," said Elizabeth Seda, R.N., a cardiovascular surgery nurse and member of the union bargaining committee.
"Recruiting, retaining and developing the highest quality workforce has always been our goal and is key to providing outstanding patient care," said Anthony Degina, CEO of the University of Miami Hospital. "This agreement is part of our continuing effort to meeting this goal."
SEIU Healthcare Florida represents more than 15,000 RNs, and healthcare workers in Florida's nursing homes and hospitals, and is an affiliate of SEIU, the nation's largest healthcare workers union.
PHOTO OP: University of Miami Hospital employees will count the ballots cast yesterday and ratify their Union contract at 10 a.m. in the fourth floor conference room at the University of Miami Hospital. |