ILLINOIS — Dozens of Illinois nursing home providers averted a strike by increasing wages by 24% and agreeing to provide hazard pay for workers.
The deal between providers and SEIU Healthcare, which represents employees at more than 100 Illinois nursing homes, was announced in early May. Workers were set to strike at 64 facilities that same month, citing concerns about personal protective equipment and paid time off for coronavirus-related illnesses.
The agreement increased workers’ pay to more than $15 per hour and also provided a $2 per hour COVID-19 bonus pay for all affected employees. It also expanded sick leave for workers and promised fully paid sick days for COVID-19 related testing, illness or quarantine.
Employees will get up to five additional paid sick days for COVID-specific reasons, such as being sent home for symptoms, awaiting test results, or a positive diagnosis. The contract also states that employees aren’t required to work without adequate PPE.
