Media Advisory — Saturday, July 23rd, 2016
Chestnut Hill Hospital workers are among the lowest paid hospital workers in Philadelphia – uniting for better jobs, higher quality care
Philadelphia, PA – Hundreds of employees from Chestnut Hill Hospital are uniting to improve their hospital.
Chestnut Hill service workers are paid dollars less an hour than other hospital workers in Philadelphia. They will hold a 1-day strike on Saturday, July 23, calling on their employer to invest in Philadelphia communities by providing family-sustaining wages. Fair wages will also help their hospital to recruit and retain a strong workforce to care for patients in Chestnut Hill.
The healthcare workers include nearly 130 certified nursing assistants, transporters, unit secretaries and emergency room technicians employed directly by CHH, along with 80 dietary and environmental service workers employed by subcontractor HHS.
Both groups have been in contract negotiations for nearly two months and are represented by SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania.
WHAT: One-day hospital worker strike
WHO: Healthcare workers from Chestnut Hill hospital
WHEN: Saturday, July 23rd, 7 am-7 pm. Workers will be on the picket line all day.
Strike Begins: 7:00 am
WHERE: In front of hospital: 8835 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
*****Photo opportunity: Employees begin strike, picketing & chanting in front of the hospital*****
Solidarity March and Rally – Kick off at 12:30 pm
Employees will begin a march through Chestnut Hill – from the hospital to 8705 Germantown Ave., (next to library)
Photo opportunity: 100 workers will be joined by supporters and a marching band, chanting 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 – 6:30 pm
In front of hospital: 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia
Photo opportunity: Workers will engage in prayer with local faith leaders and share personal stories about wage inequality to end the day.
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SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania is the state’s largest and fastest growing union of nurses and health care workers, uniting nearly 45,000 nurses, professional and technical employees, direct care workers, and service employees in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home and community based services, and State facilities across the Commonwealth. SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania members are committed to improving the lives of health care workers` and ensuring quality care. and healthy communities and for all Pennsylvanians.