Equitas Health Workers United, the union representing over 200 frontline client-facing employees at 15 Equitas Health locations throughout the state, announced that their first contract with the LGBTQ+ health provider has been ratified on Friday. The agreement includes salary increases, a signing bonus, and worker protections like a binding grievance and arbitration process. Approximately 75% of union members participated in the vote, with an overwhelming 96% voting in favor of the contract.
The journey to achieving this contract began in 2021 when Equitas workers started organizing. They filed for a union election in May 2022 and emerged victorious in August 2022. The approval of the contract coincides with the appointment of a new CEO, David Ernesto Munar, aged 54, who commenced his role on Monday, taking over from interim CEO Robert Copeland, who resigned last June. During the search for a permanent CEO, a four-person leadership council was managing the organization.
The contract outlines various benefits for workers, including a 2% retroactive raise effective from Jan. 1, in addition to a recent 3% raise, a $1,000 signing bonus, increased compensation for educational advancements, paid time off for community volunteering, and other perks. Equitas Health stands as one of the largest LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS healthcare service providers in the US. For more information on this topic or to reach out to an expert journalist covering it all please visit [insert link].
