Lincolnwood caregivers picket to settle fair contract

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Caregivers from the Lincolnwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center picketed Wednesday afternoon.

Members of SEIU District 1199NE, a program of members of the New England Health Care Employees Union, picketed to demand that their employer, Marquis Health Services, to settle a contract that expired in March.

The union said in a release, “Marquis has not only refused to come to the table with fair wages and benefits proposals, they are also seeking unfair concessions from caregivers that would eliminate important benefits.”

The union further claims Marquis is seeking to cut additional pay to workers who were injured on the job and out on workman’s compensation.

The Lincolnwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center said it wants the same things the unions does and is urging those picketing to return to the bargaining table.

“Management has proposed higher wages for current and new staff, an increase in 401(k) retirement contributions, and free health insurance for individual policyholders. We know that our employees do not want to leave the side of our residents, but if any do, we will ensure that we are fully staffed,” the center said in a release.