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Pa. Health Care Workers Rally For Unionism In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Dozens of home health care providers from across Pennsylvania, some accompanied by the people they care for, rallied today on Independence Mall as they press for expanded union representation for their colleagues.

Outgoing governor Ed Rendell has signed executive order to form an advisory council overseeing the state's network of these workers.  The health care providers say they are being denied basic rights and union organizers want to make sure the incoming Corbett administration hears their voices.

Rodnea Chennault (standing at far right in photo) is a home care provider in Philadelphia who cares for a man suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

"He needs help getting out of the bed, getting into the shower, out of the shower, ironing of clothes, being dressed," she said. "It's like he's a baby.  He needs me, so I can't afford to get sick."

At today's culmination of the group's monthlong van tour, Chennault says she earns just over $9 an hour for her services.

"No sick days, no holidays. I work Christmas, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Easter."

She says she has to work additional jobs to feed her family.

Reported by Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio 1060.

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