Members of the health care workers union have successfully negotiated a labor contract with Massachusetts Steward Health Care that will raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2019 and guarantee workers access to affordable health insurance.

The agreement with Steward Health Care, the fifth largest employer in Massachusetts, is the latest victory in SEIU1199’s efforts to increase wages for members. Approximately 5,000 workers at hospitals that include Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Good Samaritan in Brockton, Norwood Hospital, and St. Elizabeth’s in Brighton. Recently, Boston Medical Center and South Boston Community Health Center have also secured agreements.

In Massachusetts, health care represents the largest sector of employment. Tyrék D. Lee, executive vice president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East says, “This will have a major effect in the workers’ ability to provide for their families.”