Congratulations! We have reached a Tentative Agreement with Chicago Commons over wages, seniority increases, and COVID-19 protections!

We recommend you VOTE YES to approve our new raises, seniority increases, and COVID-19 protections so they can be implemented as soon as possible.

To vote, call 866-933-7348 [press 4 to vote] between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CST, Monday, December 21 through Tuesday, December 22.

Article 23 – Wages and Benefits
A. Wages

The following wage rates will be effective April 1, 2021, or on whatever date the State of Illinois implements the reimbursement rate increase,  for all bargaining unit members including former Bethel New Life homecare aides:   

Seniority	New Wage as of  April 1, 2021*
Less than 1 yr.	$14.00
1 year	$14.07
2 years	$14.14
3 years	$14.21
4 years	$14.28
5 years	$14.35
6 years	$14.42
7 years	$14.49
8 years	$14.56
9 years	$14.63
10 years	$14.70
11 years	$14.77
12 years	$14.84
13 years	$14.91
14 years	$14.98
15 years	$15.05
16 years	$15.12
17 years	$15.19
18 years	$15.26
19 years	$15.33
20 years plus	$15.40

As reflected in the wage scale above, all bargaining unit employees shall receive an annual $.07/hr. increase.

Hazard Pay

Following the Employer’s receipt of funds provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Provider Relief Fund, the Employer will grant all active employees a one-time bonus payment based on hours worked from March 15, 2020 to December 15, 2020. This one-time payment will be reflected as a separate line item on the paycheck dated December 28, 2020. Data regarding the bonus payments, including the names of respective employees and amounts to be paid, will be shared with the Union prior to distribution.

The Employer retains the sole right to determine the amount of the funds to be contributed to the bonus pool and the formula for the bonus pool.

COVID19 Protections

Section 1: Emergency Sick Pay

The Employer shall provide two weeks of the bargaining unit employees’ regular pay of paid sick leave, which shall be separate and distinct from any Sick Pay benefit as provided in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Emergency sick pay is applied to situations where bargaining unit employees are exposed to or infected with COVID-19 at the workplace (e.g. employer’s office, contact with their consumer, contact with an infected person living or visiting with the consumer, and/or any area where the work is performed).

No worker shall be forced to use previously accrued paid time off for purposes related to COVID-19. Any worker that used accumulated paid time off or incurred a negative PTO balance since March 1, 2020 due to COVID-19 shall have such credits restored.

Section 2: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The Employer will provide all bargaining unit employees with the necessary personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks, and sanitizer.