ULP strike begins at UChicago Medicine

President Jackiewicz still does not offer a complete package

Construction tradesmen and supply chain workers, represented by SEIU Local 73, began an unfair labor practices strike at UChicago Medicine to protest management harassment and intimidation tactics.

The latest proposal, made by UCMC management last Friday, is $2.1 million, but does not address health insurance costs and supply chain quotas. The union’s proposal would ensure wages keep pace with the cost of living, with cheaper insurance, and only $2.5 million over three years. UCMC has not yet offered a total package that would allow us to complete the contract and end the strike.

“UChicago Medicine is a $4 billion company that pays its president, Tom Jackiewicz, $1.7 million a year. They should negotiate in good faith and not retaliate against these essential workers who keep UCMC running. These workers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and receive a living wage for their work, as well as affordable health care.” said Jeff Howard, deputy executive director of SEIU Local 73.

“I am very proud of the work I do here. I love being part of our patients’ healing process. We are the reason our patients get air conditioning, water for showers, working toilets, proper lighting and more. It is an insult that UCMC does not want to pay us fairly even though we are the heart of the hospital’s operations,” said Maurice Lee, an engineer for 16 years.

“Our health insurance proposal would cost UCMC less than $100,000, but they refused. They would rather let us strike and pay temporary workers than agree to contribute more to our rising health insurance costs,” said Justin Babitsch, a painter for 12 years.

“We cannot continue to pay the same wages as in 2021 when the cost of everything is rising. We kept UChicago Medicine running during the COVID pandemic without pandemic pay while other hospitals paid their employees pandemic pay. We feel a responsibility to our patients and employees, but management obviously does not want to compensate us for our dedication and hard work. This is terrible,” said Teri Franklin, a materials specialist with 21 years of experience.

“UChicago Medicine does not pay workers enough to take care of themselves. Without these workers, this building would not be standing. We know these workers have been here throughout the pandemic. They deserve better. I am with all of you. Solidarity forever!” said Senator Lakeisha Collins (D-5th)

SEIU Local 73 has placed several online ads (Ad 1 and Ad 2) urging the public to contact President Jackiewicz and demand that he give workers a fair contract.

Workers have been negotiating with the UCMC since December and have been without a contract since February 3. After record inflation and sharp increases in health insurance contributions, workers are demanding:

• A salary that corresponds to the cost of living. The starting wage for utility workers is $18.36, and construction workers make between $13 and $15 less than the local wage in Cook County.
• Affordable health insurance. Since our last agreement, employees have been paying thousands more each year for their health insurance.
• Improved performance. To attract new employees, they are trying to improve holiday and overtime policies. The turnover rate in suppliers is 66% and in construction jobs is 20-30%.
• Protection against quotas in the supply chain. Workers feel bullied by management because they are required to process packages within two minutes, regardless of their complexity.