Nursing homes
Workers at six Chicago-area nursing homes set an October 16 strike date
SEIU Healthcare Illinois says workers at six Landmark nursing homes in Chicago and the suburbs will strike October 16 if no contract is reached, citing below-industry-standard wages and staffing instability.
Key facts
- CBS News Chicago reported on October 6 that SEIU Healthcare Illinois, which represents staff at six Landmark nursing homes in Chicago and the suburbs, said workers plan to strike starting at 6 a.m. on October 16 if they do not reach a contract agreement.
- The homes are Momence Meadows, Landmark of Lincoln Park, Landmark of Itasca, Landmark of Oak Lawn, Landmark at 95th and Landmark of Cicero.
- The union said workers earn below-industry-standard wages, which it said "makes it harder to retain experienced caregivers and recruit new workers." It said more than 120 nursing homes pay union staff significantly more.
What happened
CBS News Chicago reported on October 6 that SEIU Healthcare Illinois, which represents staff at six Landmark nursing homes in Chicago and the suburbs, said workers plan to strike starting at 6 a.m. on October 16 if they do not reach a contract agreement. The homes are Momence Meadows, Landmark of Lincoln Park, Landmark of Itasca, Landmark of Oak Lawn, Landmark at 95th and Landmark of Cicero.
The union said workers earn below-industry-standard wages, which it said "makes it harder to retain experienced caregivers and recruit new workers." It said more than 120 nursing homes pay union staff significantly more. SAK Healthcare, the parent company, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
What it means for families
A strike notice gives families time to ask how care will continue. Nursing homes are expected to plan for staffing during a strike, and families can ask what that plan is.
For example: if your mother is in one of these homes, you can ask who will give medications and help with meals if regular staff walk out, and whether visiting rules will change.
What this means in New York: nursing home labor contracts in New York also sometimes reach strike notices. The same questions apply if you hear of one here.
Quick answers
When did Chicago-area nursing home workers plan to strike?
CBS News Chicago reported on October 6 that SEIU Healthcare Illinois, which represents staff at six Landmark nursing homes in Chicago and the suburbs, said workers plan to strike starting at 6 a.m. on October 16 if they do not reach a contract agreement. The homes are Momence Meadows, Landmark of Lincoln Park, Landmark of Itasca, Landmark of Oak Lawn, Landmark at 95th and Landmark of Cicero.
What to do this week
- If a relative's nursing home receives a strike notice, ask the administrator for its written staffing plan.
- Plan extra visits or calls during the strike window if you can.
- Report any care problems during a strike to the state health department.
- Ask whether visiting hours or activities will change during a strike.
Sources
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