News
We Demand Mayor Lori Lightfoot Close the Parks
Your union is demanding that the Chicago Park District be closed. We sent an official communication to Mayor Lori Lightfoot today. Here’s the letter we sent to the Mayor:
Dear Mayor Lightfoot,
Consistent with your announcement on March 19th, 2020 regarding the closure of Chicago Public schools until April 20th, 2020 the union is demanding that the Chicago Park District be closed for the same time period and that all nonessential workers represented by SEIU Local 73 in the Chicago Park District not be required to report to work. The only essential workers may be those required for trash pick up and sanitation. Because these workers may still need to report to work and are among the lowest paid workers, we propose that during the period of closure, they be compensated at one and one-half times their regular rate of pay similar to CPS workers. All other Chicago Park District employees should immediately be sent home on paid leave.
This direction is consistent with the Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle’s executive order 2020-3 issued on March 16th, 2020 and both California and New York’s plan to Shelter in Place.
We understand that this is an ever changing situation and believe we need to stay in regular communications with the Chicago Park District and City leadership. The union is available to discuss, as soon as possible, any questions or concerns you may have.
Consistent with your announcement on March 19th, 2020 regarding the closure of Chicago Public schools until April 20th, 2020 the union is demanding that the Chicago Park District be closed for the same time period and that all nonessential workers represented by SEIU Local 73 in the Chicago Park District not be required to report to work. The only essential workers may be those required for trash pick up and sanitation. Because these workers may still need to report to work and are among the lowest paid workers, we propose that during the period of closure, they be compensated at one and one-half times their regular rate of pay similar to CPS workers. All other Chicago Park District employees should immediately be sent home on paid leave.
This direction is consistent with the Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle’s executive order 2020-3 issued on March 16th, 2020 and both California and New York’s plan to Shelter in Place.
We understand that this is an ever changing situation and believe we need to stay in regular communications with the Chicago Park District and City leadership. The union is available to discuss, as soon as possible, any questions or concerns you may have.
We will keep you updated on this demand as the situation develops.
All union business is being conducted remotely. If you have a question, issue, or concern please contact the Member Action Center by phone 312 787 5868 or email mac@seiu73.org. Please do not visit the union office at this time.
We must continue to stand together in this moment of crisis. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.