(ABC 6 News) -Wednesday morning, SEIU lead negotiators met over Zoom to announce they made significant progress in their negotiations with Mayo Clinic on Tuesday. According to SEIU, Mayo Clinic increased their percentage on raises from 4.1% to 5%.

While it’s a significant increase, SEIU lead negotiator Hallie Wallace says the 5% increase will still keep a portion of the 600 union members from reaching the $20 dollar an hour minimum they have asked for.

The increase was also satisfying enough for SEIU to avoid going into binding interest arbitration with Mayo, for now.

“It is something that is on the table for us because these wage increases are really, really important,” said Wallace. “It’s been too long that Mayo has been lagging other hospital systems and for the number one hospital system in the country, that is just not acceptable to us.”

Each time both parties have met, Mayo Clinic has gradually come closer to what SEIU members have asked for.

However, SEIU negotiators refuse to settle until every one of their 600 union members is guaranteed the $20 an hour minimum they are asking for.

“For many of our groups we are still below the $20 start and for groups that we have gotten to a $20 start with we still haven’t met those wage comparisons with people doing those same jobs,” said Wallace.

SEIU SP Teach Chelsey Rynerson says while there is still frustration for those being left out of $20 an hour right now, they’re determined to make sure everyone gets their fair increase.

“The engagement and determination of the team and our union has resulted in movement but we’re still far apart and we want to keep coming to the table and want to see the movement keep moving,” said Rynerson. “We are ready and willing to reach a deal but we definitely need to see some continuous movement from Mayo.”

And the strength of solidarity for these union workers, gives them hope a deal will be reached sooner rather than later.

Following Tuesday’s negotiations, Mayo Clinic provided a statement which reads, “Mayo Clinic values the contributions of each of our staff members and has been negotiating in good faith since January 9. Mayo Clinic remains committed to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. We are hopeful that SEIU will engage in further bargaining to reach a resolution.”

The next round of negotiations between Mayo Clinic and SEIU members has yet to be scheduled.