|
Teamsters Local 743 Car Caravan & Rally to protest the closing of Mercy Hospital & service cuts at Provident Hospital
|
|
|
Teamsters Local 743 Car Caravan & Rally to protest the closing of Mercy Hospital & service cuts at Provident Hospital
On September 10, 2020, Teamsters Local 743 organized a Car Caravan Parade and Rally in support of Mercy and Provident Hospital workers who are being affected by the recent closure and restructuring announcements for both institutions.
The caravan began its journey at the corner of 51st and King Drive, traveling to 26th and Michigan Avenue, where members of the Local 743 Executive Board, hospital employees and other community supporters gathered to discuss the need for both institutions to remain open as a service to their surrounding communities.
Among the speakers were Teamsters Local 743 President, Debra Simmons-Peterson, who expressed her concern for the impact these closures would have on the Union, its members and the people these hospitals service.
“Teamsters Local 743 represents over 300 members who work at Mercy and Provident Hospitals. As a Union, we strongly oppose these cuts not only to prevent the loss of our members’ jobs, but also prevent the devastating impact it will have on the residents of the South Side of Chicago. I urge our elected officials to strongly oppose this closure.”
Other speakers included:
- Precious Morris, Local 743 Union Representative
- Michelle Brewer and Doretha Youngblood, Unions Stewards at Mercy Hospital
- Don Villar, Secretary-Treasurer, Chicago Federation of Labor
- Greg Kelley, President at SEIU
- Lamont Robinson, State Representative, 5th District
- Mattie Hunter, State Representative, 3rd District
- Bill Lowry, Cook County Commissioner, 3rd District
- Keith Richardson, President, American Postal Workers Union Local 1
- Jowanza Malone of KOKA
Many have expressed their concerns about the timing of the closure of Mercy and re-structuring of Provident during a global pandemic. With crucial healthcare needs still a pending factor in our day-to-day lives, many essential and front line workers are still in great need. Removing these crucial jobs and critical healthcare resources from the people who are most vulnerable could prove to be a major mistake.
“Our members were always essential workers, even before the Pandemic,” says President Simmons-Peterson. “We need to save their jobs and save healthcare!”
The fight continues, as Teamsters Local 743 garners increased support from elected officials, community partners and union members who are heavily invested in Mercy and Provident Hospitals continued operations.
SUPPORT essential jobs, valued healthcare and the services these hospitals provide to the entire Chicagoland area!
|
|
|
.png "Home")
