Health & Medicine Staff Union Wins Recognition!
Health & Medicine Staff Union workers raise fists after delivering their Voluntary Recognition letter to management on Wednesday, November 13th.
On Monday, November 18th, workers at Health & Medicine Policy Research Group (“Health & Medicine”), located in Chicago, Illinois, won Voluntary Recognition of their union. All non-supervisory staff signed union cards with OPEIU Local 39. Employees at Health & Medicine engage in a variety of focus areas, including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Aging Equity, and Workforce Development, in addition to supporting the organization’s communications and operations. According to Health & Medicine’s mission, they are committed to building power and momentum for social justice and health equity in Illinois. Their vision is a society free of social and health inequities so that all people can attain their full potential.
“I’m proud to be part of a staff that cares so deeply about equity and justice both within our organization and in the work we do,” says Mia Hayford, Career Pathway Analyst. “To me, creating a union speaks to a belief in our organization’s potential to be part of a workforce that sets an example of pay equity and transparency. Given our mission and values, I’m confident that strengthening our internal practices will enhance our external efforts for equity and just, healthy work.”
“Unions are public health. When workers have power, workplace environments are safer, healthier, and ultimately strengthen our ability to positively impact the people we serve. The health and well-being of communities is deeply intertwined with our own well-being as public health professionals,” says Mayra Diaz, Policy Analyst. “As our state and country face increasing threats to the health and safety of our communities, it is more important than ever to fortify the capacity of our staff through enhanced workplace resources and support. I joined the effort to unionize at Health & Medicine because I believe we have an incredible opportunity to serve as a model for what health equity can look like in the context of worker justice.”
The unionizing employees are organizing around a variety of issues ranging from increased salaries and transparent pay structures to protection from burnout. “The four-day work week has had positive results in places that have adopted it, Alizandra Medina, Health & Aging Organizer, noted. “We believe a four-day workweek would increase productivity, reduce stress, and improve the work-life balance.” Other issues presented by the workers include a guaranteed 401(k) match at hire, increased PTO, and codified policies around hiring, scheduling, and decision making.
“I wanted to form a union at Health & Medicine because I want everyone to have access to a high quality of life with all the resources they need, and I believe that securing this through collective action is the best tactic,” says Hannah Shevrin, Training & Capacity-Building Manager. “My coworkers care really deeply about closing health inequities in our city and state and work really hard to do it. I want to see them receive the support, compensation, and strategy they need to do this effectively and sustainably. I really want everyone who works here to feel like they can carry out their work in conditions that uplift their livelihoods.”
Workers at Health & Medicine are now preparing to enter contract bargaining with the employer. To follow the Health & Medicine Staff Union (HAMSU) on their organizing journey, follow them on Instagram @healthandmedstaffunion .