Citadel is prepared for upcoming strike

STERLING – The Citadel of Sterling administrator said she is confident its residents will continue to receive quality care even if Friday's strike goes on as planned.

Strikes are planned at more than 60 nursing homes across the state as the union, SEIU Healthcare Illinois, tries to negotiate higher wages and increased benefits for workers, including hazard pay during the coronavirus pandemic.

"We cannot deny this potential staffing situation comes at a particularly challenging time, but we want to reassure the community that we have plans to ensure our residents have continuity of care in the event a strike does occur," Citadel Administrator Julie Logan said in a statement to Sauk Valley Media.

"Many of our other professionals, including nurses, directors and admissions staff, have decades of experience in nursing homes and training in direct patient care."

The union, which represents more than 91,000 health care workers across four states, is calling for a 1-year contract from the Illinois Association of Health Care Facilities that would set a wage floor of $15 an hour for all workers and $16 an hour for CNAs.

It also would provide for a 50% hazard pay bonus during the current and ongoing emergency period, as well as 80 more hours of paid sick leave for COVID-19 or related illnesses and provisions for continued health care coverage for vulnerable workers who would have to take leave from their job to protect themselves and their families.

They also want facilities to provide adequate personal protective equipment and safety training, as well as access to testing and any emergency benefits being made available to essential workers.

"Citadel of Sterling has had the necessary PPE for our employees," Logan said in the statement. "Our commitment to the health and safety of our residents and staff has never been stronger.

"Like the 'We Love Our Staff' sign in front of our facility says, we are extraordinarily grateful to all our employees, every day and not just during this current health crisis.

"They are true unsung heroes."