Recent Activities: Chicago
Chicago JLC has been working with AFSCME Council 31 campaign, now over two years old, to organize 8,000 workers - including 2,000 nurses - at Resurrection Health Care, the second largest hospital system in the Chicago area. At a press conference in November, more than two dozen Resurrection nurses cited inadequate staffing levels, lax infection controls, deteriorating and outdated equipment and insufficient supplies as impediments to their ability to care for patients safely.
Chicago JLC reaches out to community synagogues and temples to hold Labor on the Bimah programs every year. Local JLC members have been active in numerous congregational and other Jewish community events; we are among the sponsors of the annual Walk for Israel / Israel Solidarity Day. Chicago JLC President Mike Perry is the Chair of the Domestic Affairs Commission of the local Jewish Community Relations Council.
Chicago JLC has been working locally in support of UNITE-HERE’S efforts to organize Cintas workers. In mid-September, the Illinois Attorney General's Office filed suit against Cintas subcontractor Sewing Systems, a Chicago apparel factory that sews garments for Cintas, for violations of the minimum wage.
Chicago JLC joined with other picketers at the Congress Plaza Hotel. Workers, affiliated with Local 1 of UNITE HERE, have been on strike since June 2003, after hotel owners cut wages and benefits; hundreds of customers complained of poor service and hazardous and unsanitary conditions. With support from many labor, religious and community organizations, the striking workers have maintained the picket line for a year and a half. Dozens of groups and conferences have moved or canceled their events after learning of the strike.
Chicago JLC has worked with Local 4, SEIU, to secure better working conditions for nursing home employees throughout Illinois, and ensure quality services for those living in these facilities.
Chicago JLC is part of the Healthy Illinois Campaign, a statewide coalition of nearly 1000 small businesses, health care providers, labor, religious organizations and churches, elected officials, urban and civic associations, and non-profit organizations that are currently working throughout the state in support of The Healthy Illinois Act (Senate Bill 11) - to significantly expand access to quality, affordable health insurance for all Illinoisans.
Chicago JLC works with the Chicago Interfaith Committee on Worker Issues on a number of campaigns, including some of those mentioned above.