DES PLAINES, Ill. (CBS) – Workers from 50 nursing homes across Illinois, including half a dozen in the Chicago area, staged informational picketing outside of the homes Wednesday to demand improved pay and working conditions.

The protest in front of the Alden Des Plaines Nursing Home, 1250 E. Golf Rd., attracted support from a number of passing motorists, who showed it by honking their horns.

Workers such as Abby Vazquez said they are chronically short of such things as diapers for residents and even food, not to mention staff.

“We’re having a rough time getting to everybody on time,” she said. “Their needs are still being met, but it could be better.”

The Service Employees International Union claims that the homes can well afford increased pay, staffing and supplies and said that a 2010 state law mandates better staffing than many homes currently have.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s Bob Roberts Reports