low wages mean deciding between impossible trade off's: paying this month's health care bill vs. rent bill

Workers and Chicago religious leaders had a chance to sit down together at the AFSCME union office on August 1 for an informal dinner, where the faith leaders could learn about the reality for low wage workers in patient support at Resurrection Hospitals, now the second largest chain in Chicago, as you may recall from our action together in June. The corporation seems to be headed in the opposite direction from its Catholic mission at the moment, and so faith leaders are stepping up to help workers put the pressure on the hospital, such that they can get a union and advocate for what they deserve, without fear of losing their jobs.

When these workers from the laundry, housekeeping and food service departments at these various Chicago hospitals in the Resurrection chain, came together- they found that their experiences were validated by each other in the accompanying branches. These workers might not have met up with each other, if not for the union helping to bring them together, with the goal of getting the managers at the hospital to engage in a dialogue with workers. As workers from all of these various branches of the system compared notes- the emerging threads exposed very similar kinds of injustices- as system-wide ones at Resurrection.

Parents reported that they were burdeoned with the costs associated with the 'in house' health insurance plan offered by Resurrection. They have co-pays for each child at every doctor visit. They have to pay 20% of the costs of any medical care. They already pay $230 out of each pay period- just to receive the Resurrection insurance. This is toally not working for these folks who are getting $9/hour.

The comparison to the salary for a CEO of a Resurrection branch hospital is $500 an hour. The interfaith religious leaders who attended the dinner and listened to the issues the workers are facing, became alarmed. One pastor from the United Church of Christ, Rev. Randall Doubet-King stated, 'Every one of the workers in this room, making these low wages at Resurrection, would without a doubt technically fall below the poverty line, according to the latest report from the Hearltand Alliance that studies basic needs, living wages, and base standards of living in Chicago." The meeting included an analysis by the union of just how far short the wages are for workers at Resurrection. Using self-sufficiency standards of the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, even the highest rate on Resurrection's wage scale for patient support staff, is too low to support even the smallest of families in the Chicago area, such as for a single parent of one school-age child. This exposes the inadequacy of Resurrection's latest move to try to appear to be increasing wages.

Resurrection recently announced that all patient support workers will start at $9/hour (up from $8.50) and will be capped at $13. 50/hr. The increases per year will be about 3%. We learned that miniscule increases can not begin to bring people to a living wage. We heard from one man who has worked for 27 years in patient support at Resurrection's St. Francis hospital, and his bit by bit gradual pay increases over nearly three decades now, mean that he is still not even making $13.50/hr. yet!

The meeting garnered energy among both workers and clergy for a next event to be a public prayer vigil at one of the hospitals. Full time workers providing support to our loved ones who have to go in to a Chicago hospital-- should not have to decide between paying their own health care versus paying the rent. When worker testimonies speak- they mobilize us all. Will post news from our vigil too...

Communication is Vital!!!

Hello Peace People,

It's been a long time - sorry for that. Let's just say that it's been a long/short crazy trip of an experience here in Tejas. Wow, this has all has definitely been interesting. So now, more than ever I am realizing and reinforcing my belief that communication is so vital and crucial. However, in this continuing realization, it's really hard and complicated to communicate with people at times, especially when so much is or can be attached. In the process of communicating we try to find that common ground, that middle page. Finally, I think I am coming to understand that here, but it is definitely difficult and needless to say, a struggle. All in all I wish I had more words for you all now, but I have simply been trying to find the words for myself and process it all. There was a full breakdown of communication, but now is the time to clarify, move on, let go, and keep focused and passionate in this struggle of creating and maintaining a better society, a better world for us all! Thankfully, even when empowering environments are limited or even seem to be, we can still acknowledge and appreciate our similarities, our differences for no one, nothing can strip us of our human connection. We may do things differently, communicate in various ways, but for me, I believe in and appreciate the truth that even with such, we are still doing - we are still active and that's what counts and matters. There is no single, let alone right path, but at least we can walk it (even talk through it) together if we allow ourselves to do so!

Last Tuesday I was fortunate enough to attend a presidential debate at Soldier Field (This is the same one mentioned in the previous entry by Beau). It was for union members and their families only. The focus was "Working Families" and each of the Democratic candidates were present: Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Kucinich, Obama, and Richardson. I was looking forward to going, but I wasn't overly excited. Once I got there though I realized how awesome it was that I was there. I've seen debates on TV but never in person. It was great to be right there where the action was. Unfortunately it was 8000 degrees out, but we survived! There were 17,000 people in attendance - imagine that energy! Some pics from my cell phone:

This is one from before it started with all the candidates up front. I haven't been a huge Hilary fan, but I must admit it was pretty fabulous to see a woman up there! Maybe that will be me someday?!


Here's a pic of Barack Obama on the big screen...


And Kucinich...


If you'd like to watch the debate online or read an article about it, click here....

Walking Home from the Presidential Debate

Last night the AFL-CIO sponsored a Presidential Forum here in Chicago. 15,000 union members and their families watched 7 presidential hopefuls discuss issues important to working families. When I signed up for this internship, I never expected having the opportunity to walk a picket line with two (and counting!) candidates or attending an actual debate. For a political junkie like myself, these added perks have really added to this experience. While I will resist the temptation to offer my own thoughts, insights, and analysis of the debate and the 2008 race, perhaps the most profound experience of the whole evening occurred on the walk home. Walking back to the office after grabbing dinner, several of the organizers and myself passed one of the hotels represented by Local 1. One of the doormen came out of the hotel because a customer was arriving and, noticing all of us in our UNITE-HERE t-shirts, proudly proclaimed "We're UNITE-HERE!" and then gave one of the organizers a fist-five (is that what you call a high-five with fists?). The moment was completely spontaneous and seeing the genuine pride he held from being part of the union completely made my day, presidential debate and all.

no picket line for us!

Last couple of says, we have been busy, not with actions, but with the educational materials we have been developing for the religious community in Phoenix area. We have been having interviews with community leaders and a curriculum coordinator. Finally we decided to come up with a study guide for the religious community. We have been writing papers on the common themes that came up from the interviews and meetings.

John Edwards walks the picket line

Today at the Congress Hotel Picket line Senator (and presidential candidate) John Edwards stopped by. Granted, he only stayed about 10 minutes and only walked around a few times, but it's still good for these candidates to stop by. It gives the strike more publicity, and it's important for these influential people to show their support. We had a great time making some noise and there were probably about 100 people there. Barack Obama came a couple weeks ago (unfortunately I missed it) and I heard he stayed a bit longer than Edwards. Here's a picture of Edwards during his mini-speech (taken on my cell so not the greatest quality)....and don't forget to tell all your friends if they come to Chicago to NOT stay at the Congress!!! http://www.congresshotelstrike.info/

Wind in my sail

I would like to second the importance of momentum especially in the organizing area. My spirit always gets re-energized when I find people in the community who will take the initiative to work for justice and build community. Each day this week I have met people who have been excited about the creation of the worker center that they will make presentations and pass out flyers on behalf of the center!

The humidity has had the ability to reduce the spirit and to just focus the needs of my own self-interest. Instead the will of God is not letting me quit earlier or take things at a comfortable pace. I have to remember that every little positive relationship that has been built is a victory for the center because this expands our network of members within the community.

Inspiration

Today I watched as one of the key leaders (ie. food service worker) practically led a meeting all by himself. It was amazing to watch how far he had come. I remember meeting him just 4 weeks ago and he said he didn't think he'd have too much time to meet with clergy with us, but that he'd try. Try he has! He is a strong leader, and an excellent speaker. He spoke about food service workers much better than I could have and definitely gave me inspiration as we keep on meeting with more and more clergy for endorsements. In just 3 weeks we have nearly 40! Meaning we will definitely surpass our goal for the summer of 50. Yay!

Back in the proverbial "saddle"

Texas in July is best described as "miserably hot." I know this because my denomination's General Assembly took place last week, so I got a week long break from the internship to enjoy Texas in July. Needless to say, I find amazing truth in the Genesis passage that reads, "When in Texas during July, God created air-conditioning and called it Good." The downside of such a break (besides the heat...) was a disruption in my work with the union. Much of the momentum I had built up over the last several weeks dissipated because of the break and the last few days has been a concerted effort of getting caught up on the status of various campaigns and remembering where I was in my own work before my Texas vacation.

This experience powerfully demonstrates the importance of momentum to any movement in general and to community organizing in particular. Success and rewarding experiences on the job accumulate into powerful positive forces that drive your work and push you forward. One is often unaware of the role momentum plays in one's drive, but becomes acutely aware once the momentum is lost. The task now is to catch it again and continue to move forward. Thankfully, Saturday brings another presidential candidate to town and the opportunity to once again get behind the bullhorn!