In a state where the minimum hourly wage is $8.46, Memorial Healthcare System has chosen to increase the minimum it pays employees to $12.00 an hour. Those who were already making between $12-14.81/hour were also given a raise. It’s a direct investment of $4.3 million by the healthcare system into its staff that will positively impact 2,200 people, more than 15% of Memorial’s workforce.
The Hollywood-based provider has the highest minimum wage of any public healthcare system in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The increases were approved by the South Broward Hospital District’s Board of Commissioners and took effect with the first pay period of November 2019.
“All our employees contribute to the care we provide patients and families, so it’s important we invest in them and demonstrate their value to us,” said Margie Vargas, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for Memorial Healthcare System. “The goal is to attract and retain the best people for every position in our facilities and we feel being proactive with this increase helps us do that.”
With more than 14,000 employees in South Florida, Memorial competes for local talent not just with other healthcare providers, but with other industries as well. Its new minimum hourly wage compares favorably to large organizations in retail, travel, and hospitality.
“We’re known for taking great care of patients, but that wouldn’t be possible if we didn’t also prioritize the people that contribute to the quality of that care,” said Memorial Healthcare System President and CEO Aurelio M. Fernandez III.
Memorial Healthcare System is one of the largest public healthcare systems in the U.S. and a national leader in quality care and patient satisfaction. It is highly regarded for its patientand family-centered approach. To learn more, visit mhs.net.
