By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Health care workers crowded the Capitol Thursday, hoping for some listening ears – and some more co-workers.

Chanting “safe staffing now,” the purple-shirted union members said their jobs are too dangerous now with the current workload. The workers include nurse’s aides and similar support staffers.

“It feels like health care has lost its heart,” said Kawana Gant, a CNA. “With the frontline workers, we are asked to work day in and day out. I work a twelve-hour shift, four days on, three days off. And every single day we are working short-staffed.”

The ralliers said if conditions are unsafe for employees, that diminishes the quality of care people’s loved ones will receive.

Lawmakers carrying legislation to allow workers to speak up to superiors when they believe safety is compromised attended the rally, too. One of them, State Rep. Kam Buckner, said within his own district, Streeterville and Gold Coast residents have a life expectancy around 90; those on Chicago’s south side – such as Englewood – have a life expectancy around 70. 

“This is unacceptable,” said Buckner. “Your L stop should not determine your life expectancy.”

SEIU Healthcare Illinois has published a white paper.

Report: Chicago Hospitals Dual Crisis – SEIU Healthcare (seiuhcilin.org)

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].