University of Chicago physicians announce ULP strike for fair collective bargaining agreement – ​​SEIU Local 73

UChicago Medicine employees have overwhelmingly voted to strike against unfair labor practices to protest for a fair contract and UCMC’s labor rights violations on Sunday, July 14 at 9:00 p.m.

SEIU Local 73 represents 125 construction and subcontracting workers and has been in collective bargaining for more than six months. Workers’ wages and benefits have not kept pace with inflation. The union has also filed several unfair labor practice lawsuits against UChicago Medicine for monitoring union activities, canceling negotiations in retaliation for concerted activity, and failing to provide information relevant to negotiations. These unfair labor practices occurred in May and June; the lawsuits were filed the week of June 24.

“UChicago Medicine’s construction workers and supply chain employees are the lifeblood of the medical center. Every day, they keep these hospitals functioning and caring for patients and the community,” said Jeff Howard, executive vice president of SEIU Local 73. “These workers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. They are entitled to fair wages and benefits for the work they do. Strikes are a last resort and it is unfortunate that management has chosen to pressure these workers to strike for what is right for them.”

UChicago Medicine staff demand:

• Wage increases that keep pace with inflation
• Affordable health insurance
• Improved performance

“Since the start of negotiations, we have made changes and compromises in our contract proposals, but the UCMC’s wage proposal does not reflect inflation or the cost of living,” said Charles Matthews, operations engineer. “In today’s economy, we are falling behind and our jobs are no longer enough to support us. It’s a shame that we don’t have affordable health insurance even though we work for a major hospital.”

“Since the start of negotiations, we have made changes and compromises in our contract proposals, but the UCMC’s wage proposal does not reflect inflation or the cost of living,” said Charles Matthews, operations engineer. “In today’s economy, we are falling behind and our jobs are no longer enough to support us. It’s a shame that we don’t have affordable health insurance even though we work at a major hospital.”

“We are undervalued. We are treated as if we are not important.” said Demond Moore, Supply Chain Material Specialist. “This hospital makes a lot of money and we keep the doors open. We provide the supplies that keep the hospital running. We must be treated with respect and deserve a fair contract!”

“We ensure that UChicago Med runs properly, and we deserve affordable health insurance for ourselves and our families,” said Justin Babitsch, painter. “Management’s final proposal amounts to a pay cut for us. The meager raises they have offered will be offset by the cost of our health insurance. It is unfortunate that a hospital would treat its employees this way.”

Crain’s Chicago Business: UChicago Medicine employees threaten strike