Chants for a fair contract and signs asking drivers to honk for a better wage filled Besse Park as Tobey Hospital employees rallied for their cause of securing a new contract.

The rally held Wednesday, Sept. 25 was hosted by hospital employees who are members of the 1199 SEIU union.

The union represents 80,000 healthcare and homecare workers across Massachusetts. Nearly 200 housekeepers, phlebotomists, patient access staff, dietary aides, technicians and more are represented by 1199 SEIU at Tobey Hospital.

Kerry Brown, administrative organizer for the union, is one of the members leading the charge for a new contract.

According to Brown, one of the main issues with the proposed contract revolves around wage increases.

Brown explained the pay increase proposed is "not workable" for hospital employees considering cost of living and inflation. He added employees who have been with the hospital longer are receiving less of a pay increase over the lifetime of the proposed contract.

"We're fighting for wage increases we can live on for everybody," said Brown.

Another reason Brown is fighting for increased wages is for better employee recruitment and retainment. According to Brown, he wants to see employees of the hospital that love what they do and their community to be able to earn a liveable wage at the hospital.

The hospital did not respond for comment.