Statement of Congressman Danny K. Davis in Support of Nursing Home Workers

May 4, 2020

I know that SEIU Health is currently in negotiations with Nursing Homes in my District and other places throughout Illinois and I know that nothing is more important than the services being provided by these facilities during this crisis period. I also know that a strike date has been set for May 8, 2020 and it would be disastrous should that happen. Therefore, I am urging that the Union and nursing home owners work as cooperatively as possible to reach agreement. Please know that I have great admiration and respect for those on both sides of the issues.

Workers must be paid a livable way, must have a safe and protected environment in which to work, workers must have sufficient supplies and equipment. Nursing Home residents are one of our most recious and most vulnerable population groups, therefore, I have supported and will continue to support increased Medicare and Medicaid rates for these institutions and inclusion in any and all stimulus resources in response to the coronavirus. I say, "Come and let us reason together, or we shall all be destroyed by the edge of the sword."