SPRINGFIELD – Certified Nurse Assistants who care for Illinois seniors will now have stronger protections against wage theft under legislation from State Senator Graciela Guzmán, signed into law Friday after years of advocacy by SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana and CNA workers.
“CNAs do some of the hardest and most important work in our healthcare system,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “They care for our parents, grandparents and loved ones every single day. They deserve to be paid for every hour they work. I’m proud to stand alongside SEIU and the workers who fought for this reform to make sure employers can no longer shortchange the people providing care.”
The new law requires CNA wage increases and reimbursement calculations to include every hour worked, including both productive and nonproductive hours. Covered hours include paid sick leave, paid vacation, training time, bereavement leave, holidays and paid time off. Employers that fail to comply will be subject to penalties and fees.
Employees of several Central Illinois memory care facilities have claimed the company they work for has not been paying employees on time. According to SEIU, low wages contribute to a staggering 65% workforce turnover rate, making it more difficult to recruit and retain the caregivers Illinois seniors rely on every day.
“Illinois is already facing a crisis in elder care,” Guzmán said. “When caregivers are underpaid and facilities are understaffed, seniors and their families pay the price. Protecting workers is also about protecting quality care. We still have work ahead of us to improve CNA wages, strengthen the workforce and ensure every senior receives the care they deserve.”
Senate Bill 3967 was signed into law Friday.
