@ddru_official: Miami Herald PT By Staff Reporter Florida — September 2026 Florida’s debate over healthcare workforce shortages is increasingly turning toward the workers who provide hands-on care every day. DDRU of America Nursing Union, an organization representing and organizing Certified Nursing Assistants, Home Health Aides and Nursing Assistants, is stepping up its campaign for higher wages and improved working conditions as it moves into a new round of contract negotiations at seven state-owned nursing facilities. The union says the negotiations are part of a broader strategy to make direct-care healthcare careers more financially sustainable while addressing the recruitment and retention problems facing nursing facilities, hospitals, home-health agencies and other healthcare providers. At the center of DDRU’s campaign is a proposed $35-per-hour starting wage for qualifying direct-care workers. Union officials say the proposal could become part of a broader legislative package they hope Florida lawmakers will consider during the 2027 legislative session. ‘It’s time to show appreciation’, DDRU President Mr Bass says the push is about more than increasing hourly pay. Bass argues that the rising cost of housing, food, transportation and other necessities has made it increasingly difficult for many healthcare workers to remain in lower-paying positions. “Now that the playing field is leveled, it’s time to show appreciation to American healthcare workers,” Bass said. He also pointed to the sacrifices made by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our healthcare workers stood on the front lines during COVID and many lost their lives taking care of other people’s loved ones,” Bass said. “Now it is time for them to be paid fairly and receive the benefits they have earned.” Bass said DDRU intends to continue pressing the issue through collective bargaining as well as legislative advocacy. From contract negotiations to the State Capitol, The union’s latest organizing effort comes as Florida healthcare providers continue confronting the challenge of maintaining an adequate direct-care workforce. CNAs, HHAs and nursing assistants perform many of the daily tasks that allow nursing facilities and other healthcare settings to operate. Their responsibilities can include assisting patients with mobility, personal care, daily activities and other essential needs. DDRU contends that when wages are not competitive, experienced caregivers may leave the profession or move to other employers offering better compensation. The union believes higher wages could help employers recruit new workers while giving experienced caregivers greater incentive to remain in the field. Its proposed Florida Direct Care Healthcare Workforce Act would seek to address those concerns through a combination of wage, workforce and policy initiatives. According to DDRU, the proposed legislation would focus primarily on CNAs, HHAs and Nursing Assistants and establish a $35-an-hour starting wage for qualifying workers. The proposal is expected to generate discussions involving lawmakers, healthcare employers, state agencies and representatives of the direct-care workforce. A $35 hourly starting wage would represent a significant increase over what many direct-care workers currently earn. At 40 hours per week, a $35 hourly wage would equal approximately $72,800 in annual gross wages before taxes, although actual earnings would vary based on hours worked, overtime, benefits and individual employment arrangements. DDRU argues that the cost of maintaining an understaffed workforce—including employee turnover, recruitment and training—must also be considered. A workforce issue with statewide implications The debate comes at a time when Florida’s healthcare system is facing growing demand for workers capable of providing direct patient care. Florida has …….cont reading ⬇️ For more information about DDRU of America and its healthcare workforce initiatives, visit DDRU.org or contact [email protected].

ddru_official

Open In TikTok:

Region: US

Monday 07 September 2026 02:31:19 GMT