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SEIU union members rally outside their hall in Merrillville to advocate for a $15 an hour minimum wage in Indiana.
Justin Hicks/IPB NewsUnionized health care workers in northwest Indiana demanded better pay and pushed lawmakers to mandate a $15 an hour minimum wage as they rallied outside their union hall in Merrillville.
Hospital workers from Saint Mary’s Medical Center and Methodist Hospitals denounced Indiana’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. They said they’ve worked harder than ever through the pandemic although they could make more money in retail stores or food service.
Speakers said they want the minimum wage raised to help everyone.
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Anne Igoe with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) said it’s not right that some health care workers aren’t making enough to pay bills while many hospitals make record profits.
"They have money for their bonuses, they have money to bring in consultant after consultant," she said. "We are here because the folks that are coming to work every single day need a raise."
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-Highland) and state Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) attended and pledged support for the workers.
Contact reporter Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.
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