Philadelphia, PA – Healthcare workers from Chestnut Hill hospital will hold a one-day unfair labor practice strike on Saturday, June 21st, to demand management negotiate in good faith for a contract that provides good, middle class jobs and a stronger voice in the future of the hospital. Media is encouraged to join the workers at a 12:30 PM rally and a 6:00 PM vigil at the plaza located at 8705 Germantown Avenue. There will be picket line at the hospital at other times during the day.
“We have been trying for close to a year to improve our jobs and raise the voice of frontline caregivers,” said Vanessa Scott, a lab tech who has worked at the hospital for 17 years. “But management has repeatedly walked out on bargaining and refuses to respect our input. We can’t sit by while they ignore the needs of workers and the community.”
Chestnut Hill is a for-profit hospital but spends less on workers’ wages and benefits compared to the average Pennsylvania hospital. Like other low-wage workers across the country, the healthcare workers at Chestnut Hill are standing up for fair wages and an economy that works for everyone.
Camillah Corley, a unit clerk with ten years of experience, makes significantly less than other unit clerks hired after her.
“That money would help with my daughter’s college tuition and child care for my son,” said Corley. “It’s not fair to be more experienced yet make less money for doing the same work as someone else.”
The healthcare workers include certified nursing assistants, transporters, unit secretaries and emergency room technicians. SEIU Healthcare PA represents over 100 workers at Chestnut Hill.
WHAT: One-day unfair labor practice strike.
WHO: Healthcare workers from Chestnut Hill hospital.
Solidarity Rally – 12:30 PM
8705 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118
Photo opportunity: 100 workers will chant as they march to the rally with balloons, signs, and numerous speakers who will talk about the importance of workers standing up in the community.
Vigil – 6:00 PM
8705 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118
Photo opportunity: Workers will engage in prayer with local faith leaders and share personal stories about wage inequality.
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Contact: Karen Gownley, SEIU Healthcare PA: 717-805-6070 karen.gownley@seiuhcpa.org.