Workers at Chicago-based Northwestern Memorial Hospital are urging the organization to institute a minimum wage of $15 per hour, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report.
The workers, represented by the Service Employees International Union Healthcare Illinois, made the request Tuesday during a rally across the street from the hospital.
Currently, the lowest starting wage at the hospital is $11.50, according to the report.
SEIU communications specialist Scott Vogel told the Chicago Sun-Times he is optimistic that Northwestern will respond to the workers' plea.
"Hopefully [Northwestern] will recognize that it's a win-win for everyone," he told the publication. "A higher wage will incentivize workers to stay in their jobs and work harder….We think Northwestern has a lot to gain by being an industry leader and setting a high criteria for other institutions to take care of their workers."
Northwestern Memorial did not immediately respond to the Chicago Sun-Times' request for comment.
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