In a significant achievement for Equitas Health union workers, the first contract has been ratified with the LGBTQ+ health provider, Equitas Health Workers United. The union represents over 200 frontline client-facing employees spread across 15 Equitas Health locations throughout the state. The contract includes raises, a signing bonus, and worker protections such as a binding grievance and arbitration process. Approximately three-quarters of union members participated in the vote, with an overwhelming 96% voting in favor of the contract.
The union’s organizing efforts began in 2021, culminating in a successful union election in August 2022. This milestone comes at a time of leadership transition within Equitas Health, as a new CEO, David Ernesto Munar, has recently taken over the position from interim CEO Robert Copeland. The organization has been led by a four-person leadership council during the CEO search process. The previous CEO, Bill Hardy, departed the organization following reports of racial discrimination within Equitas in October 2021.
The newly ratified contract offers a range of benefits to employees, including a 2% raise retroactive to January 1, in addition to a recent 3% raise, a $1,000 signing bonus, increased compensation for professional advancement, paid time off for community volunteering and other benefits. Equitas Health is recognized as one of the largest LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS serving healthcare organizations in the United States. For more information on this important achievement and its impact on healthcare workers at Equitas Health contact mawilliams@dispatch.com or @BizMarkWilliams
