CNA Victory at Citadel Bourbonnais Shows the Power of a Union
The certified nursing assistants (CNAs) at Citadel Bourbonnais nursing home in Illinois have won their union election and they’ve sent a powerful message in the process: the people who care for our loved ones deserve to be treated with dignity themselves.
For far too long, these essential workers who show up every day to provide care, comfort, and critical support to residents have faced scheduling and paycheck issues, and a lack of respect on the job. But now, they’ve chosen to change that by standing together and winning a voice at work.
This victory didn’t come easy. It took courage, organizing, and solidarity. The CNAs knew they deserved better. They knew that staffing shortages, inconsistent schedules and paychecks weren’t just hurting them, they were hurting the residents too. And they knew the only way to make real change was by coming together and fighting for a union contract.
That’s exactly what they’ve done.
With RWDSU Local 578 at their side, the CNAs at Citadel Bourbonnais will now negotiate for a fair contract, one that includes pay clarity, fair scheduling practices, and the respect every care worker deserves. This isn’t about better pay, it’s about making sure caregivers can show up to work healthy, supported, and focused, because when workers are treated well, residents get the best care.
This win is a reminder that care work is essential work, and care workers are essential workers. Their labor is skilled, demanding, and deeply human. It requires compassion, strength, and commitment. The least they deserve in return the protections that come with a union contract.
RWDSU is proud to welcome these new members and to support them as they begin the next stage of this journey: bargaining a first contract that reflects their value and their work. Their victory is part of a growing movement of healthcare and nursing home workers across the country who are saying “enough is enough.”
When we care for the caregivers, everyone wins. At Citadel Bourbonnais, that future just got one step closer.Because workers deserve better. And we won’t stop until we get it.