Mt. Sinai Hospital workers announce strike date after negotiations stall

The union representing workers at Mount Sinai Hospital and Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital says they will walk off the job if a contract agreement isn’t reached before Nov. 11.

“It’s unfortunate that management continues to underpay and understaff the workers at Mount Sinai and Schwab Rehab who give so much to serve the community,” Greg Kelley, president of SEIU Healthcare Illinois, said in a statement. “All around our city, people are standing up to say that a healthy Chicago means a place where everyone can prosper —black, white or brown.”

The union said more than 400 certified nursing assistants, clerical, service and maintenance workers are ready to strike if “management fails to settle a fair contract.” The union is asking for increased wages, improved staffing levels and working conditions.

“Sinai workers provide an invaluable service to our community, working around the clock in stressful situations and literally saving lives,” said Rima Coleman, a dietary aide at Mount Sinai Hospital. “Yet for all our efforts, workers like me are paid wages so low that we can’t pay all our bills and we are regularly short staffed and face unfair labor practices.”

Employees have been working without a contract since the end of June. SEIU Healthcare Illinois has an ownership stake in SunTimes Media.

Mount Sinai is one of five Level 1 trauma centers that treat patients suffering lifethreatening injuries in Chicago. The 288-bed facility has more than 45,000 patients visiting the emergency room every year.

Dan Regan, a spokesman for Sinai Health System, said the hospitals’ “ability to provide high-quality care” won’t be affected by a strike.

“Sinai is disappointed in the union’s decision to strike, as both sides have been in negotiations for over four months and have had multiple bargaining sessions,” Regan said. “We believe there has been steady progression toward signed agreements between the hospitals and the union.”