* SEIU Healthcare is demanding higher wages and a “path to retirement” for 45,000 home and child care workers. That’s a whole lot of people. Press release excerpt…

As Illinois faces a care crisis where families can’t access affordable care and workers can’t afford to save for retirement, 45,000 Illinois home and child care workers are escalating their campaign to publicly demand a strong contract with a path to retirement and livable wages.

Care workers are sending their most direct message to Governor Pritzker yet with a package of new TV, digital and newspaper ads pushing for Pritzker to settle a fair contract.

While the frontline care providers are appreciative of the Governor’s ongoing leadership advocating for IL working families, they are calling upon him to take immediate action to solve Illinois’ care crisis.

Yesterday, Chicagoans opened up their Sunday Chicago Tribune to see a full page ad blaring, “GOVERNOR PRITZKER, ILLINOIS HAS A CARE CRISIS,” and directly calling on the governor to settle a fair contract with caregivers who “have waited long enough for a path to retirement and livable wages.”

The print appeal hit newspaper stands as an emotional TV ad hit screens in Chicago and Springfield highlighting a care worker’s direct-to-camera appeal for a realistic pathway to retirement:

* The TV ad…

* Script…

Sheryl, Care Worker: I take care of people that have devastating needs. I’m 71 year’s old and I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to afford to retire.

We live from paycheck to paycheck, we have to rely on credit cards and worry about going bankrupt. Governor Pritzker, we waited long enough. We need a path to retirement now.

We’re there to help people, but who’s helping us?

* The Question: Your thoughts on the merits of this campaign?