Stephenson County nursing home employees picket for a fair contract

After months of frustrating negotiations over their first contract, Stephenson County Nursing Center employees took to the streets on Oct. 9, holding an informational picket to draw attention to management’s unfair demands.

Employees at the nursing home in Freeport voted to join AFSCME by an overwhelming majority in May of 2013. Since then, talks with management over a contract have been moving along slowly. The bargaining team has been fighting for consistent scheduling, respectful treatment from management and a living wage.

On Sept. 22, county negotiators finally offered a wage proposal – a paltry 1 percent increase that, for many employees, would amount to only 9 cents an hour.

The nursing home employees, members of AFSCME Local 2399, decided to show management what they thought of that proposal by taking their fight public.

Chanting “this 1 percent won’t pay the rent,” nursing home employees showed they are standing strong and united in the fight for a fair contract that recognizes the valuable work they do ensuring the health, comfort and safety of the elderly and infirm.

“We’re hoping the nursing committee members see the picket and realize that this is very deeply felt by our members and they are struggling to survive,” Council 31 staff representative Sara Dorner told The Journal Standard. “We need the county to meet us halfway.”

The picket is only the latest action by nursing home employees, who rallied and handed out informational fliers at a county board meeting in September.

“Employees at the Stephenson County Nursing Center feel empowered and proud to be AFSCME,” Council 31 regional director Joe Bella said.