Unions for Miami-based Jackson Health System refused to budge while officials said Jackson South might close its birthing center and the county is stepping up its oversight of the troubled system. The two major unions remained adamantly against granting further concessions as the pay cut process drags on. Ted Shaw, the interim chief financial officer, said the pay cut delays are costing Jackson about $2 million every biweekly pay period. The holdup has been primarily due to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. After it negotiated a deal with Jackson, including a 5% pay reduction, Mayor Carlos Alvarez wanted AFSCME to give up an additional premium pay of $50 per biweekly paycheck, which could mean $6 million in additional annual savings for Jackson, the Miami Herald reports.
