Cook County hospital workers and members of the Service Employees International Union Local 73 on Thursday held dual protests outside John H. Stroger Hospital.
The demonstration were a public display against what they say are illegal layoff notices to hundreds of employees. The layoffs would essentially shut down inpatient services at Oak Forest Hospital, they said.
"We're fighting these cuts that would impact the southland area and it would also impact the healthcare that they're going to receive," said Betty Boles, the vice-president of SEIU Local 73.
Union workers are also upset about the county's proposal of five furlough days and five shutdown days.
The employees have been working without a new contract since 2008 and have voted to authorize a strike.
