Central Illinois Healthcare Workers Fight for Quality Care, Quality Jobs
July 12, 2008
Nursing home workers and community allies conducted their second informational picket at Galesburg Terrace nursing home. Last year, workers at Galesburg Terrace and Camelot Terrace in Streator voted for a voice on the job with SEIU because of the worsening conditions.
Both Galesburg Terrace and Camelot Terrace are owned by Gem Healthcare, a Chicago-based company that owns four nursing homes in Illinois. Workers at Gem Healthcare’s Chicago sites earn competitive wages with healthcare and pension benefits, those in Galesburg and Streator make minimum wage with no benefits.
Stephanie Woertz, who has worked at the Galesburg facility for more than 3 years said, “The pay rates are terrible. Everyone leaves as soon as there is an opening somewhere else. The constant turnover just puts a big strain on residents and workers alike.”
Worker turnover rates at Galesburg Terrace are among the worst in the state. 68% of CNAs-- the workers who provide the majority of direct care to residents-- have been there less than one year. Only 13 % have been there three years or more.
“It’s very upsetting to residents when new people don’t know their routines, or their likes and dislikes.” Stephanie said. “This is especially true with our Alzheimer’s and dementia residents. Changes in their routines and treatment are very hard on them.”
Low pay and lack of healthcare and pension benefits have clearly had have a negative effect on recruitment and retention of experienced staff. Numerous studies have shown that high turnover rates have a negative affect on the delivery of quality care.
U.S. Representative Phil Hare has voiced his support, saying, “The women and men who care for the residents daily-- who tend to their personal needs, feed them and provide them with a clean, welcoming environment-- are clearly dedicated and compassionate people. They are merely seeking the same treatment as [Lerner’s] Chicago area employees.”
The turnover rate is slightly lower in Streator, but the number of residents served has plummeted. Streator healthcare workers also face the same low pay and low benefits problems as those in Galesburg.