Stroger Doctors battling to join union (Cook County health system is trying to quash the effort)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.chitowndailynews.org/Chicago_news/Stroger_docs_battling_to_join_union,29052

* By Alex Parker
* • Staff Writer
* • June 25, 2009 @ 11:00 AM

A group of doctors at Stroger Hospital is pushing for union representation and says the Cook County health system is trying to quash the effort.

A union representative says doctors plan to tell the system's board Friday that long hours and large workloads are preventing them from giving patients the best care.

They'll be accompanied by nurses and members of faith-based groups who are also concerned about quality of care.

“We want to set a positive tone and again reach out to this board, and ask them to work with us as partners,” says Emily Young, regional representative for the SEIU Doctors' Council.

The union represents about 190 doctors at Provident, Oak Forest and Cermak hospitals, as well as doctors at the county’s ambulatory clinic network.

In March, SEIU filed a petition with the Illinois Labor Relations Board to form a union at Stroger. The county hired a law firm to intervene, organizers say.

FULL story at link.

[friendly_iconoclast]

1. Good. Hold King Daley's feet to the fire and don't let go.

Go, SEIU!