Workers rally on North Side for higher wages

CHICAGO (WLS) -- SEIU Healthcare Illinois nursing home workers, child care and home healthcare works are rallying and marching to fight for a $15 minimum wage in Illinois. They accuse Governor Bruce Rauner of "holding the budget hostage in an effort to drive wages and benefits down into the dirt."

In a press release, the group says Rauner is opposing living wages for more than 50,000 home healthcare and childcare workers, as well as stripping them of training and health insurance.

Two bills in the General Assembly are advancing to raise wages to $15 per hour for state home healthcare workers who care for seniors and people with disabilities.

A prayer vigil began at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Leone Beach Park in Chicago's Roger's Park neighborhood, followed by a march to two nursing homes in protests. Workers say they are overworked and underpaid.

One nursing home worker said that after 10 years on the job she only makes about $10 an hour, and deserves more considering the demands of her job.

"Very difficult with three kids, single mom, the rent. I gotta choose which bills I can pay this pay period or next pay period, and if they mess up on your check you're really in trouble," says Lakesia Collins.

The day's action will conclude with another prayer Wednesday night. More demonstrations are planned for Thursday.