SEIU 1021 members at HealthRIGHT 360 joined forces with their coworkers across the state to negotiate a strong new contract to address short staffing and turnover. Late last month, they ratified the contract by an overwhelming 98%.

HealthRIGHT 360 is a nonprofit network of clinics offering providing integrated medical, dental, behavioral health outpatient and residential treatment, and re-entry services to over 40,000 people annually across 11 California counties. Roughly 700 HealthRIGHT 360 employees are members of SEIU Locals 1021, 721, and 221. SEIU 1021 members there are vital to San Francisco’s efforts to end overdoses and homelessness related to substance use and mental health.

“As a member of the statewide bargaining team, I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish in this contract by sticking together and working as a team with our coworkers across California,” said Shawnica Lewis, a substance use disorder counselor who has worked at HealthRIGHT 360 since 2021. ”In addition to raises of at least 13% for all workers, the contract brings the minimum wage paid by HealthRIGHT 360 up to $20 an hour immediately and up to $21 an hour next year. This progress will help address the staffing crisis that hurts the services we provide and prevents us from being able to help more clients.”

Highlights of the new contract include: 

• Raises for everyone of at least 13% over 18 months between January 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025. The raises on January 1, 2024 will be:

• For employees currently at $20 per hour or less, 5% increase or an increase to $20 per hour, whichever is greater. For the lowest paid employees, this represents an 11% raise.
• For employees currently at $20.01 to $25 per hour, 4% increase or an increase of $1 per hour, whichever is greater.
• For employees currently at $25.01 per hour or greater, 3% increase or an increase of $1 per hour, whichever is greater.

• In addition, on July 1, 2024, everyone will get a 4% raise. On July 1, 2025, everyone will get a 5% raise.
• Raising the minimum rate of pay for all employees to $21/hour by July 1, 2025.
• Significant improvement in dependent and family medical benefits. For members currently with family or dependent coverage, the changes will save them hundreds of dollars a month.
• One additional day of paid time off for all employees with less than four years of service.
• Increasing the retirement match to 3%.