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SEIU Local 1991:   A Unique Healthcare Local Union

Who we are:

            Local 1991 was chartered as a Local of the Service Employees International Union in the mid 1990’s. The Local had an election that authorized them to be the exclusive bargaining representative for wages, hours and working conditions for 2500 RN’s working at Jackson Memorial Hospital. This victory resulted in moving RN pay from the bottom of the wage range for nurses in the state to the highest pay in the state. In 1997, Local 1991, organized the Medical Professionals and the Attending Physicians, each has their own contract. During this same period of time, Local 1991 also had the privilege of representing nurses in the South Florida private sector, but no longer represents the group today.  The benefits of Local 1991 Representation are well established and are evidenced by the many successful labor contracts that have been bargained over the years. Some of these contracts can be perused through the link on this site. Since Florida is a “Right to Work” state, Local 1991 consistently works to meet the challenge to keep Union membership at the highest levels. With the acquisition of Parkway, Local 1991 is proud to have authority to represent over 5000 RN’s, Attending Physicians, Medical Professionals and support staff. The successes we have achieved in the past can be credited to the wonderful members who understand the concepts of Unity and Solidarity and how their allegiance to this Union effort enhances their wages, benefits and work environment.  Give us an opportunity to tell you more by contacting the Local office at the number at the bottom of this page and let a member activist or union staff member meet with you to answer your questions and educate you further on the benefits to each individual and the whole group. We are happy to welcome all eligible employees to our Union family.

What we do:

            We bargain contracts for a term on behalf of the employees in the respective eligible units as mentioned above. We are proud to brag that we are one of the only Union Locals that has contract language that guarantees employees a 40 hour work week. We also have a constant presence lobbying for nursing issues and monitoring other health related issues in Tallahassee, FL.  Because of our strong numbers we are proud to be a State wide voice for Nurses. Among other legislative issues, we have been, and continue to be, key initiators of legislation addressing the patient/nurse ratio. Health and Safety issues are another major issue that is kept before the State Legislators by Local 1991. We have staff that represent workers in the workplace on a daily basis. Sometimes it is just educating and answering questions. Other times we are engaged with the Employer to legally represent the employee and their record in incidents that may arise as a result of their employment relationship. On occasion there are changes that occur that were unforeseen at the time that the parties engaged in term bargaining. In some cases the Employer is obligated to engage with Local 1991 in what is called “Effects Bargaining” when there is a change that affects the working conditions or economic conditions of employees in the represented unit.

In the Local 1991 history, we have taken several cases to Arbitration and with a couple exceptions; we have won them all in favor of the employee.  Local 1991 convinced the Employer in the 2005 negotiations that the parties would benefit from forming a Labor-Management Partnership. The reason for this was there are many issues such as staffing shortages, specific group issues, work flow issues, etc., that Local 1991 believes can be better resolved by having employees work with management in small work groups to come to viable solutions with mutual benefit. The parties are beginning the process of working on the structure of the Partnership which may be launched in the fall of 2006. The underlying foundation for all the successes Local 1991 has achieved and will achieve in the future is the skilled Union staff and dedicated Union leadership and the committed Union members who care about the quality of their work environment and want to be treated with dignity and respect.

SEIU Local 1991 - Main Office
18441 NW 2nd Ave. Suite 502
Miami Gardens, FL 33169
Phone: (305) 620-6555  -  Fax: (305) 620-1429 - Toll free 800-FOR-SEIU (800-367-7348) union@seiu1991.org