Better Benefits
On average, unionized workers in the hospital industry have
superior benefits than non-union workers. Through SEIU, we have a say in the
kind of benefits – including pension, health care and career
training/development – we receive on the job.
More
importantly, our union-negotiated benefits are guaranteed in writing! They can’t
be cut or changed without our approval – and that’s never been more important
than now, at a time when many hospitals are trying to cut costs by reducing
health insurance coverage, retirement, and paid leave benefits.
Here are some of the benefits many unionized hospital workers currently
enjoy:
Affordable health insurance.
All health care employees
should have access to affordable, quality health care themselves. Around the
country, unionized hospital employees and nurses are negotiating not only what
our health insurance covers, but how much it will cost. Many SEIU members pay
nothing for our full family health coverage, and we’ve negotiated benefits for
part-timers and retirees as well.
Livable pensions.
Many hospitals and other employers are
cutting back on the retirement benefits we’re offered. Without a union,
employees have little say in what happens to their pensions. But SEIU members
are bargaining to protect and improve our pensions so that — after a lifetime of
caring — we can retire with an income we can afford to live on.
More paid time off.
In today’s fast-paced world, hospital
employees and nurses need to be sure we can take time off when we need it. Union
contracts provide for adequate vacation, sick leave, and personal days, and make
sure we have a voice in when we can take the leave we need.
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