UF Health Jacksonville workers rally as union files unfair labor practice charges

Union workers rally outside UF Health Jacksonville as stalled contract talks raise concerns over paid time off and retirement benefits, impacting morale.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — About 20 people gathered outside UF Health Jacksonville in downtown Jacksonville Wednesday, calling for a fair contract and protection of employee benefits.

The rally comes after contract negotiations between the hospital and its union reached a standstill. Workers say they are concerned about proposed changes to paid time off and retirement benefits.

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“This is about more than a contract it’s about protecting our workforce our patients and the future healthcare Jacksonville,” said Linsey Stevens, a registered nurse and union vice president.

Mary Blocker-Williams, a patient care associate at UF Health Jacksonville, said employees who have worked at the hospital for years should not have to worry about losing benefits or time with their families.

“Because a lot of these people have been working here a long time and they don’t deserve to have their PTO taken away. They’re messing with the time that these people have to spend with their families. They’re messing up with all of our benefits and our 401(k),” Blocker-Williams said.

Blocker-Williams said the two sides negotiated for three days before the hospital declared an impasse, meaning negotiations had reached a standstill.

The morale is really down over here in the building. People are calling out. They don’t wanna stay. People are leaving,” Blocker-Williams.

The union says it has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board over the dispute.

UF Health Jacksonville said it values its employees and remains committed to providing competitive compensation and benefits.

In a statement, the hospital said:

“We are committed to providing competitive compensation and benefits and will continue to adhere to the collective bargaining agreement. In addition, we will continue to partner with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees on behalf of our valued employees.”