Labor Fights for Workers During Pandemic - Chicago Federation of ...
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Q U A R T E R L Y P U B L I C A T I O N F R O M T H E C H I C A G O F E D E R A T I O N O F L A B O R • I S S U E 2 • 2 0 2 0
Labor Fights for
Workers During
Pandemic
Chicago Labor Movement Supports Working People
Throughout Crisis
w w w . c hic a g ol a bor . or g
CONTENTS
4 Affiliate News
6 Cover Story
As COVID-19 Hits
Chicago, Unions Step
Up To Help
8 Feature Stories
10 CFL News
COVER PHOTO
CFL PRESIDENT BOB
REITER SPEAKS AT A
PRESS CONFERENCE TO
ANNOUNCE PROGRESS
ON THE MCCORMICK
PLACE ALTERNATE
CARE FACILITY WITH
CHICAGO MAYOR LORI
LIGHTFOOT
PHOTO: CHICAGO Women Lead the Movement
FEDERATION OF LABOR
The organizers and speakers of 2020 CFL Women’s Luncheon, including (left to right) CFL Director of Politics
and Legislation Andrea Kluger, 2020 CFL Woman of the Year and NALC Branch 11 Recording Secretary Elise
Foster, Senior Advisor to the Governor for Cannabis Control Toi Hutchinson, Raise the Floor Alliance Executive
Director Sophia Zaman, Painters District Council 14 Apprenticeship Instructor Veronica Leal, former CFL Director
of External Affairs Charise Williams, and CFL Chief of Staff Nora Cay Ryan.
Federation News is a quarterly
publication of the Chicago Federation
of Labor ©2020
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Federation News is owned and
President’s Report outbreak is causing a massive disruption to
controlled by the Chicago Federation everyday life for workers across our city, state,
of Labor for the education, protection
and advancement of organized labor.
country, and around the globe. As I write this,
the stock market is in constant turmoil, bars
Editor in Chief: Robert G. Reiter Jr., and restaurants have been ordered to close,
President large gatherings are temporarily banned, schools
Editor: Don V. Villar, shuttered, and life as we know it is slowing to a
Secretary-Treasurer
Managing Editor: Jake Lewis
near-standstill.
Contributors: Elaine Fleck, Gus Fuguitt, Circumstances like this are incredibly difficult
Lauren Jovel, Andrea Kluger, and Nora for workers, families, and communities. In
Cay Ryan. addition to protecting their own health and
caring for loved ones, many are worried about
hours, their jobs, their health insurance, and their
economic future.
During a disaster, the labor movement must
stand together in solidarity to protect workers’
health, safety, and livelihoods.
2 | F e d e r a t i o n N e w s
PHOTO: CHICAGO FEDERATION OF LABOR
First and foremost, we must listen to local, state, and federal policy makers to up-to-date information about public health
the public health experts about steps we advocate for immediate assistance to those and economic updates from local, state,
all can take to keep ourselves safe. The workers who have seen their livelihoods national, and international authorities. Keep
Chicago Department of Public Health hurt by the outbreak. These conversations yourself and those around you safe, calm, and
and Illinois Department of Public Health are taking place daily and will continue in informed.
are both providing daily updates on the the weeks and months ahead. Even after the Together, we will emerge from this crisis as
COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on public health danger has passed, the economic a stronger city, a stronger state, and a stronger
maintaining safe working conditions. All of toll will linger. We must take sustained, labor movement.
us have a responsibility to listen to and share aggressive economic action.
information that comes from credible sources. Finally, as union members, you are leaders
Please, be wary of email chains, social media on the job and in the community. Your
posts, and rumors. families, your coworkers, your neighbors,
Next, we must continue to mitigate the and others all look to you for information
economic effects of this outbreak. Clearly, and guidance during this difficult time. Keep BOB REITER
countless workers are going to be impacted yourself up to date by paying close attention PRESIDENT
through cut hours, temporary layoffs, to the latest from union leadership and
and permanent job loss. At the Chicago other public health officials. At the CFL, we
Federation of Labor, we are working with have created CFLcares.com to disseminate
F e d e r a t i o n N e w s | 3
Read more on these topics at www.chicagolabor.org/news. Affiliate News
Historic Strike workers above $15 an hour and Significantly, the agreement Construction Trades Council.
establishing greater parity in continues to build on the The maintenance, repairs and
Averted As Nursing wages across geographic areas; progress made by nursing home service of all three buildings will
Home Workers Win hazard pay for all workers for the workers in recent years to lift also be undertaken with union
duration of the COVID-19 crisis; wage standards for the industry. labor.
Contract Providing additional fully paid sick days for “We are extremely proud
Essential Resources COVID-19 related testing, illness that through investments made
or quarantine for the duration of Chicago Building by the AFL-CIO Building
Frontline nursing home workers the crisis; and provisions ensuring Investment Trust (BIT), the
who were poised to start a that employees are not required Trades Complete three Wolf Point Projects will
historic strike instead ratified a to work without adequate PPE as Second Phase of generate hundreds-of-thousands
new contract with nursing home determined by regulatory agencies of union construction work
owners for a two-year contract for the duration of the crisis. Wolf Point East hours upon their completion,”
with significant wins that will All of the major contract gains said Randy Kinder, President of
In April 2020, construction at
help safeguard both workers and will help safeguard the health the AFL-CIO Investment Trust
Wolf Point East, a 698-unit
residents through the current and safety of workers and the Corporation (ITC). “The project
luxury apartment tower in the
pandemic and beyond. residents for which they care—at also plays a pivotal role in the
downtown historic district,
The agreement impacts a time when both are vulnerable BIT’s portfolio, as it represents
was completed. Located on
over 10,000 members of SEIU to the risks associated with over 10 years of continuous new
the Chicago river and directly
Healthcare who provide care to COVID-19. While residents are union construction in the Loop,”
adjacent to Merchandise
residents at the 100+ nursing at increased risk of the virus due continued Kinder.
Mart, Wolf Point East is the
homes of the Illinois Association to age and compromised health, The 660-foot-tall, 60-story
second phase of a three-phase
of Health Care Facilities. The workers face increased negative Wolf Point East building began
development at Wolf Point.
contract gains are a testament to impacts from coronavirus due to construction in 2017 and was
The AFL-CIO Building
the courage and commitment of their history of poverty wages, nearing completion when the
Investment Trust (BIT) is the
workers who were poised to strike lack of paid time off, and the COVID-19 pandemic began.
equity investor for all three
at 64 facilities in order to protect underlying health conditions One hundred construction
phases of the development—in
themselves and the residents that often accompany poverty. tradespeople worked diligently
partnership with the Kennedy
they care for during this time of Additionally, a majority of to finalize construction on the
family and Hines. All three phases
unprecedented vulnerability and workers are African-American, interior of the building. They
will be built with 100% union
risk. and a disproportionate number were able to complete the
labor, creating much needed work
The workers won significant of African-American lives have project on time by practicing
for members of the Chicago
contract gains, including higher been claimed by COVID-19. safety protocols to limit/prevent
and Cook County Building &
baseline wages, bringing all exposure to the Coronavirus.
PHOTO: SEIU HEALTHCARE PHOTO: AFL-CIO BUILDING INVESTMENT TRUST
SEIU HEALTHCARE MEMBERS AT THE CARLTON SHOW SOLIDARITY AS STRIKE WOLF POINT EAST APARTMENT TOWER UNDER CONSTRUCTION. WORK ON THE
NOTICES WERE ISSUED TO MORE THAN 60 NURSING HOMES ACROSS ILLINOIS. BUILDING WAS COMPLETED WITH AN ALL-UNION CREW.
4 | F e d e r a t i o n N e w s
“Projects like Wolf Point Front-Line Hospital nurses are COVID-19 positive. largest developmental centers—
East – that are funded and built Clearly, whatever strategy the Ludeman, located in Park Forest,
by union workers – play a key role Workers Protest to hospital is using is not protecting and Shapiro, in Kankakee—have
in the local Chicago economy. Demand Universal our front-line nurses and health suffered the most.
When union workers, local care workers. It’s time to invest AFSCME represents most
workers, invest their own money Personal Protective in more stringent precautions to employees at both facilities: Local
and labor in revitalizing our Equipment and protect our nurses.” 29 at Shapiro and Local 2645 at
skyline, it leaves a lasting legacy “The sad reality is that the Ludeman.
for all working families,” said Bob Testing health care system could have After the death of four
Reiter, President of the Chicago Front-line hospital workers prevented the high rate of AFSCME members at Ludeman,
Federation of Labor. at Cook County Hospital and infections among health care those at Shapiro wanted to help
Salesforce Tower (Wolf Point UIC Hospital joined together staff. Cook County ran out of bolster the spirits of their union
South), the final phase of the on May 15 in a public action gowns and were asking nurses siblings. To show their support,
three Wolf Point projects, broke to call for the protection of all to reuse them, putting us and they printed a huge banner
ground in early May and will put public hospital workers and the our families at risk. This is reading, “AFSCME Local 29
to work members of the local communities they serve. They unacceptable, and we need our Supports All Ludeman Heroes,”
building trades for the next 19 demanded universal PPE, testing, employers and elected officials then drove from Kankakee
months. Upon completion, the and hazard pay to protect all to step up and protect frontline to Park Forest and installed it
building will offer 1.4 million- workers, their families, and the staff,” said Falguni Dave, Nurse outside the facility.
square-feet of space with communities they serve. at Stroger Hospital and member “A union is about unity and
Salesforce as its lead office tenant. “We have gathered here today of National Nurses United. solidarity,” AFSCME Local 2645
There are currently 25 union to mourn those we have lost, Workers gathered in front of President Crosby Smith said.
trade members working on the recognize the struggle we are in, the main entrance of Stroger “We’re grateful for that right
excavation for the construction and stand up for better treatment Hospital where workers outlined now.”
project. of our essential work. As SEIU their experiences and demands. Ensuring that staff had the
“The Wolf Point project Local 73 members, we know The group then marched to UIC necessary personal protective
allows us to put labor’s mark the fight begins with us. We will Hospital. equipment and halting movement
on the Chicago skyline while fight until we get the support we In Cook County, Black of staff from one unit to another
putting our current membership deserve,” said Alicia Uwumarogie, Chicagoans make up 30.1 at these centers took a full-court
to work,” said Ralph Affrunti, Physical Therapy Specialist, UIC percent of the city, yet as of May press from AFSCME Council 31
President of the Chicago Hospital and SEIU Local 73 10, 34 percent of confirmed and local union leaders.
and Cook County Building & member leader. COVID-19 cases in Chicago are “At the very outset we had
Construction Trades Council. “At the end of March, 12 Black. Black Chicagoans make major concerns about the facility’s
“Particularly as our members look University of Illinois Hospital up 49% of the city’s COVID plan to address COVID-19,
to get back to work following nurses tested positive for deaths. Black Chicagoans are including PPE, basic cleaning,
the recent shutdown, the hours COVID-19,” said Terence Yee, disproportionately dying from timely disclosure of known cases,
of work generated at Wolf Point RN, President of the Illinois COVID-19. Lack of affordable proper social distancing and
with our pension dollars will be Nurses Association. “This week, health care and low wage essential consistent temperature checks,”
of critical importance.” we learned that more than 75 jobs exacerbate this crisis. Quality, Smith said. “Management didn’t
safe care is necessary to protect address our concerns quickly
the most harmed in Chicago. enough, and we lost four beloved
members.”
Management is now more
Amid Tragedy, open to dialogue, Smith said, but
“there is still work to do by the
Solidarity Lifts administration to better support
Spirits the very dedicated employees
who come every day because we
The Illinois Department of care deeply for those we serve.”
Human Services operates two “Tragedy has touched every
types of residential facilities— one of us, yet AFSCME members
one for individuals with are standing strong, determined
developmental disabilities so to do everything possible to
severe that they require round- protect their health and rights,”
the-clock care, the other for AFSCME Council 31 Executive
people in mental health crisis— Director Roberta Lynch said.
that have been hit hard by the “We can serve our communities
coronavirus. and safeguard ourselves if we
PHOTO: AFSCME COUNCIL 31
Hundreds of residents and continue to stay united during
staff at the facilities contracted this unprecedented time.”
AFSCME LOCAL 29 MEMBERS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR AFSCME LOCAL 2645 COVID-19 and several died
MEMBERS AT THE LUDEMAN DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER.
of the disease. The state’s two
F e d e r a t i o n N e w s | 5
Cover Story
Chicago Labor Movement Responds to
the COVID-19 Pandemic
Direct aid, legislative advocacy, and information sharing key to response
The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting workers in every community Workers Highlighted in the Press
in Cook County. For many, it has been devastating. Thousands of
union members in the hotel, restaurant, hospitality, convention, Workers, especially essential workers, are at the core of the COVID-19
entertainment, tourism, and travel industries saw immediate layoffs or
crisis, as the virus spreads through workplaces and into Chicago’s
hours reductions. Beyond those industries, other workers are coping communities. From the earliest days of the pandemic, the CFL
with significant concerns about their lives and livelihoods. engaged the news media to make sure workers’ voices were heard and
The Chicago Federation of Labor has been working tirelessly since to push for policy responses from elected officials. The CFL held four
the crisis began to fight for the health, safety, and livelihoods of all
tele-press conferences, elevating workers stories’ and giving media
workers in Cook County. The response has taken on many facets, members the information they need to understand how the outbreak is
including legislative advocacy, direct aid payments, information sharing,
impacting workers.
and other response work. Each of the unions featured in these press conferences are dealing
“In times of crisis, the labor movement demonstrates why we are with different issues in their workplaces. For some, the key concern is
the backbone of this city and this state,” said CFL President Bob health and safety. Some are seeing reductions in hours or layoffs. Some
Reiter. “We must all come together to fight for working people duringare dealing with issues with employers. All of them deserve to have
this pandemic, and together we can emerge from this crisis stronger their voices heard.
than ever.” These efforts have resulted in stories on CBS2, NBC5, ABC7,
WGN, the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago Business,
Legislative Advocacy WBEZ, WLS, and WBBM radio.
President Reiter also had op-eds
From the earliest days of the crisis, on worker safety and the importance
the CFL worked with local, state, of public workers featured in the
and national partners to advocate
“In times of crisis, the labor movement
Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago
for working people. The CFL has demonstrates why we are the backbone of this Tribune, and he appeared on WBEZ,
been in constant communication city and this state. We must all come together to WLS, and WBBM radio. The CFL
with Gov. JB Pritzker, Chicago fight for working people during this pandemic, will continue to bring the fight for
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Cook County workers’ rights to the public via the
President Toni Preckwinkle, and and together we can emerge from this crisis news media.
federal elected officials, including stronger than ever.”
Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy
Duckworth, to address the safety BOB REITER Sharing Life-Saving
and economic needs of workers. CHICAGO FEDERATION OF LABOR PRESIDENT Information
At the federal level, the CFL
worked with state and national Beyond the uncertainty and
partners to introduce the Worker fear that many workers and their
Health Coverage Protection Act into Congress. This legislation would families now face, this crisis has also shown what it means to be a
extend COBRA subsidies to workers in danger of losing employer- union member. The Labor Movement looks out for workers, their
provided health coverage due to layoffs or furloughs. COBRA brothers and sisters, and their community. The Chicago Federation of
subsidies were also included in the Heroes Act, passed by the U.S. Labor created CFLcares.com to provide a public health and economic
House of Representatives on May 15. information hub for all Chicago and Cook County workers.
For many workers, especially those on multi-employer plans, CFLcares.com has information for workers who have lost hours
health care eligibility is determined by the number of hours worked. or been laid off, including links to the Illinois Department of
With their hours cut, a lot of people are worried about maintaining Employment Security, job listings, and philanthropic relief efforts.
coverage. On top of that, if they lose coverage, they are eligible for CFLcares.com also has important industry-specific safety guidelines for
COBRA benefits, but COBRA costs are very high — especially after workers, as well as links to union resources for members.
losing their jobs.
At the state and local level, the CFL is working to expand paid sick Chicago Labor Relief Fund
leave to all Illinoisans and advocate for pandemic-affected workers at
the city and county. Though much of the legislative work was paused The Chicago Federation of Labor and its non-profit partner the CFL
for March and April, additional lobbying is expected to continue Workforce and Community Initiative launched the Chicago Labor
through the summer and fall. Be sure to stay current on the latest Relief Fund in an effort to make direct payments to Chicago and Cook
legislative progress through the FedNewsNow weekly email updates. County union workers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
6 | F e d e r a t i o n N e w s
The fund is designed to help workers who have seen their Madigan, while the delegates meeting
hours cut or jobs completely destroyed because hosted more than 150 simultaneous
of the widespread economic damage participants from across the labor
done by the pandemic to the movement. Participants were able
local economy. to make motions, give reports, and
“The Chicago Labor hear straight from their sisters and
Relief Fund will make direct brothers regarding the impact of
payments to workers who the COVID crisis.
are wondering how they will The CFL also celebrated
pay their rent or buy groceries Workers Memorial Day and May
for their family,” said President Day online with virtual events
Reiter. “The CFL is proud to streamed live via Facebook.
give back to the working women The Workers Memorial Day
and men of this city through the prayer vigil included readings
Chicago Labor Relief Fund.” and remembrances of the women
Initial funding for the Chicago and men of the labor movement lost in the
Labor Relief Fund came from the past year. The May Day celebration, hosted in partnership
Chicago Community COVID-19 with the Illinois Labor History Society, included multiple speakers
Response Fund. Aid has been across Chicago discussing the history of May Day and the importance
distributed in $500 increments of the Chicago and Illinois labor movement to the nation.
to families impacted by the Both the Workers Memorial Day and
crisis from across the labor May Day online events can be
movement. The Chicago Labor viewed online.
Relief Fund will continue Though COVID-19 has
to accept donations from forced us to social distance, the
all philanthropic sources, CFL is working to find ways to
including unions and direct bring us together, even when we
donations. must remain apart.
If your union is
interested in making a
donation, please visit www. Solidarity Amid
ChicagoLaborReliefFund. COVID-19
org or contact the CFL.
Amidst this disaster, Chicago has
seen tremendous examples of
The CFL Goes Digital courage, kindness, and caring from
the people of this city and state. Our
As the public health guidelines rapidly changed, so did the work of the
healthcare unions — hard working
CFL. CFL employees began working from home and social distancing
professionals — are putting their
to ensure a safe work environment while continuing the fight
own health on the line to care for the
for working people. CFL President Reiter held three
sick. Food and pharmacy workers are
“Digital President’s Reports” via the CFL
stepping up to ensure people have the
Delegates Facebook page, giving
necessities to live. Civil servants and
delegates live updates
public workers are at their posts every
on the latest from the
day making sure public facilities
Chicago labor movement in
and services in the City that Works
response to the crisis.
continue to work. And our sisters
On May 4 and 5, the
and brothers at CTA, Metra, and
CFL held its Executive Board
PACE are also bravely exposing
and Delegates meetings via
themselves to dangers to keep
videoconference for the first
Chicago moving.
time in history. The Executive
The CFL continues to
Board meeting included updates
encourage union members to
from Gov. Pritzker, Senate
follow public health guidelines,
President Harmon, and Speaker
including frequent hand
TOP: THE CFL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETS VIA washing and social distancing,
ZOOM VIDEOCONFERENCE ON MAY 4 and keep themselves as healthy as
MIDDLE: CFL PRESIDENT REITER GIVES A
DIGITAL PRESIDENTS’ REPORT VIA FACEBOOK possible. “We are in solidarity with all workers
BOTTOM: CFL SECRETARY-TREASURER DON facing this crisis,” said President Reiter. “Solidarity is what
VILLAR LEADS THE VIRTUAL MAY DAY keeps us strong. Solidarity will get us through this.”
CELEBRATION
F e d e r a t i o n N e w s | 7
Feature Stories
CFL Supports United Way COVID-19 Response Fund
On March 17, 2020, the Chicago Federation At press time, the Fund had raised more Other funded agencies included the American
of Labor proudly supported the launch of the than $30 million and already distributed more Red Cross, Catholic Charities, The Greater
Chicago Community COVID-19 Response than $18 million to 285 agencies across the Chicago Food Depository and dozens of
Fund alongside the United Way of Metro region. The Fund provided essential relief neighborhood-based organizations.
Chicago. to the individuals and families who are most The Fund will continue to provide grants
The Fund, led by the City of Chicago, the impacted by the pandemic. Initial rounds of to meet urgent needs for the duration of the
Chicago Community Trust and United Way funding focused on access to basic needs like epidemic while simultaneously strategizing to
of Metro Chicago, was created to address emergency food, rent and mortgage assistance address the long term impacts of COVID-19.
the COVID-19 crisis by rapidly deploying and utility assistance. The United Way of Metro Chicago would
resources to local nonprofit organizations that The Fund also supported the launch of like to thank all the union members who
serve vulnerable Chicago residents. Support the Chicago Federation of Labor’s Workforce have contributed to the fund and continue
for the fund has come from across the region, and Community Initiative Chicago Labor to support the city’s response to our public
from philanthropic and business leaders, labor Relief Fund, providing direct cash assistance health crisis.
unions, and thousands of general donors. to union workers affected by COVID-19.
Respond to the Census and Make Sure #LaborCounts
The 2020 U.S. Census has been underway congressional seat — our state’s voice,” said immigrants fearful that filling out the census
for two months, and in many of the CFL Secretary-Treasurer Don Villar. “An could put them at risk — the law is on your
neighborhoods and communities across undercount could result in Illinois losing a side. It forbids the information from being
Chicago and Cook County that union second. Federal funding for jobs programs, used or shared with ICE or similar agencies.
members call home, officials are seeing a infrastructure, social services, education and
serious undercount. In some places, nearly 60 other vital resources rely on the census. An For more information about the 2020 U.S. Census,
percent of households have not responded to undercount means billions of dollars in lost visit 2020census.gov.census.
the Census. funding for our city and state.”
“It is important for everyone to be Make sure your members, coworkers,
counted. Illinois is already slated to lose one family, friends and neighbors are counted. For
SNAPSHOTS
PHOTO: IBEW LOCAL 134 MEMBER JOE GLYNN PHOTO: CHICAGO FEDERATION OF LABOR
THE BLUE ANGELS FLY PAST THE IBEW LOCAL 134 UNION HALL IN THEIR SALUTE CFL PRESIDENT BOB REITER (CENTER LEFT) SHARES AN ELBOW BUMP WITH
TO HONOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, FIRST RESPONDERS, AND ESSENTIAL CHICAGO MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT (FOREGROUND) DURING A TOUR OF THE
WORKERS ON MAY 12, 2020. ALTERNATE CARE FACILITY CONSTRUCTED AT MCCORMICK PLACE.
8 |
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w ss
In Memoriam
The Union Women and Men Lost to COVID-19
Susan Criste Joyce Pacubas Le Blanc Revall Burke
AFSCME Local 2912 Illinois Nurses Association SEIU Local 73
Frankie Williams David Veloz Juan Martinez
AFSCME Local 2912 Machinists Local 126 SEIU Local 73
Kim Henderson Antonio Martinez James J. Wolf
Amalgamated Transit Union Machinists Local 126 Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 73
Local 241
William Martin Karla West
Darrell Jones Plumbers Local 130 UA TCU-IAM
Amalgamated Transit Union
Local 241
William R. Hildebrand Sabrina Hampton
Plumbers Local 130 UA TCU-IAM
Mario Araujo
Chicago Fire Fighters Local 2
Julian Benitez Spagnolia Tart
SEIU Local 1 Teamsters Local 743
Edward Singleton
Chicago Fire Fighters Local 2
Tandra Randell Brittany Poole
SEIU Local 1 Teamsters Local 743
Jose Vasquez
Communication Workers of
America Alicia Davis Gilda Cranshaw
SEIU Local 1 Teamsters Local 743
Carmelita Cristobal
Federation of College Clerical & Philman Williams Alan Buchko
Technical Personnel/AFT Local 1708 SEIU Local 1 Teamsters MBWED
Louis Gonzalez John Hill Sheila Rivera
Heat & Frost Insulators Local 17 SEIU Local 1 Teamsters Local 700
Jose Castellanos
SEIU Local 1
Information as of May 20, 2020. The CFL has made every effort to identify Cook County union members lost to COVID-19.
Please email any missing information to stvillar@chicagolabor.org.
F e d e r a t i o n N e w s | 9
CFL News
CFL Celebrates 2020 Woman of the Year Elise Foster
During the March Delegates Foster is dedicated to
meeting, the CFL proudly community service. Through
honored Elise Foster (NALC the NALC, she coordinates
Branch 11) as the 2020 CFL the Letter Carrier’s Food
Woman of the Year. Foster was Drive for Branch 11 and
recognized for her dedication to worked with the Muscular
the labor movement and tireless Dystrophy Association and
commitment to community. the Branch 11 Breast Cancer
Foster is a member of the Fundraising Committee.
National Association of Letter In 2015, she was the first
Carriers Branch 11 and worked recipient of the Regina V.
as a letter carrier with the United Polk Alumna of the Year
States Postal Service for 25 years. Award. And, in 2016, she
In 2000, she was elected shop was honored by the Chicago
steward at the Cesar Chavez Coalition of Labor Union
station and in 2009, she was Women with the Florence
elected Recording Secretary for Criley Award. In addition
NALC Branch 11. In 2013, she PHOTO: CHICAGO FEDERATION OF LABOR
to her work with Chicago
was appointed Vice-President (LEFT TO RIGHT) CFL SECRETARY-TREASURER DON VILLAR, CFL 1ST VICE PRESIDENT ROSE
CLUW and APRI, she is
and in 2015, she was elected to DAYLIE, 2020 CFL WOMAN OF THE YEAR ELISE FOSTER, CFL PRESIDENT BOB REITER. also the Recording Secretary
continue as Vice-President. She of the Chicago Chapter of
is the first woman to be elected Women’s Labor Leadership Additionally, she attended the the Coalition of Black Trade
Recording Secretary and Vice- School. She earned a certificate 2016 Midwest School for Women Unionists (CBTU).
President of her local. in leadership from the University Workers. She also completed
Foster is a graduate of the of Illinois’ School of Labor and coursework at Malcolm X
NALC Leadership Academy Employment Relations-Women College.
Class Six and the Regina V. Polk and Power Leadership Program.
CFL Welcomes New Staff Members
Marcus Shepherd joins the CFL Lauren Jovel joins the CFL as an
as the Director of Organizing. His Administrative Assistant. She brings
primary focus will be the AFL-CIO’s more than 15 years of experience as
Presidents’ Organizing Initiative a paralegal, aiding in a wide variety
here in Chicago. This new position of matters from complex civil
is possible thanks in part to a grant litigation to family law. Along with a
the CFL received from the national vast array of professional experience,
AFL-CIO. Marcus comes to the she has personal roots in the labor
CFL from the International Union movement, as she was born and
of Painters and Allied Trades in raised in an IBEW Local 134 family
Washington, D.C., where he worked and her husband is a member of the
as the Assistant to the President. In International Union of Operating
that role, he led organizer trainings, Engineers Local 399. She is eager
engaged in organizing campaigns to join the fight to support working
in targeted regions, and worked families in Cook County and all of
in coalition with various labor and Illinois.
community groups.
1 0 | F e d e r a t i o n N e w sLabor-Endorsed Candidates Overwhelmingly Successful in Primary Election
Illinois held its 2020 primary Lakesia Collins, who beat six
election on Tuesday, March opponents to win the Democratic
17, 2020, and 87 percent of primary in Illinois’ 9th House
CFL-endorsed candidates were District.
victorious in their races. “The CFL is proud to endorse
The CFL endorsed 117 women and men who will stand
candidates up and down the ballot up for the values of working
who stood out in their support people.” said CFL President Bob
for working families, including Reiter. “Our work was critical
candidates running for U.S. in the success of many of our
Congress, the Illinois General endorsed candidates in the 2020
Assembly, county-wide races and primary election, and we look
state and local judges. 102 CFL- forward to ensuring these endorsed
endorsed candidates won their candidates get across the finish line
primary and will advance to the in November.” PHOTO: CHICAGO FEDERATION OF LABOR
general election in November For more information about (LEFT TO RIGHT) NALC BRANCH 11 PRESIDENT MACK JULION, LAKESIA COLLINS,
2020. the 2020 General Election and CANDIDATE FOR ILLINOIS HOUSE DISTRICT 9, AND CFL PRESIDENT BOB REITER.
Electoral winners include SEIU CFL-endorsed candidates, visit
Healthcare member and organizer chicagolabor.org/vote.
2020 William A. Lee Memorial Scholarships Awarded to Ten Recipients
Each year, the Chicago Federation of Chicago Federation of Labor, from 1946
Labor awards the William A. Lee Memorial to 1984. President Lee dedicated his life to
Scholarships to 10 high school seniors. fighting for working people. The scholarship
The scholarships, valued at $2,000 each are funds may be used at any accredited college or
awarded to five winners via an academic university in the United States.
competition and five winners selected at Congratulations to our 2020 William A.
random. Lee Memorial Scholarship winners: Sophie
“As a movement, we are always looking Doyle (Plumbers’ Local 130 UA), Samuel
for ways to support the next generation,” Barron (AFGE Local 648), Declan Fitzpatrick
said CFL President Bob Reiter. “The William (IAFF Local 2), Anjini Grover (IFT-AFT
A. Lee Memorial Scholarship winners Local 1274), Emma Katovich (IFT-AFT
demonstrate a deep appreciation for the labor Local 1211), Mia McDermott (IAFF Local 2),
movement, and we are proud to support them Ellison McGovern (Laborers’ Local 4), Rachel
as they continue on their educational journey.” Monahan (UFCW Local 881), Camryn Sexton
The scholarship is named after William (Carpenters Local 13), and Destiny Wohlers-
WILLIAM A. LEE
A. Lee, the longest-serving President of the Newell (Carpenters Local 1185).
CFL Launches FedNewsNow Email Updates
In an effort to keep CFL delegates and affiliates up to date with the FedNewsNow should cut down on email clutter and keep delegates in
latest labor news, the CFL launched FedNewsNow, a weekly email the know.”
digest. Recipients can look forward to the latest news, legislative All CFL delegates should already receive the FedNewNow updates.
updates, events, and action alerts. If you have not received FedNewsNow or you would like to include
“We know how much information is coming at our union leaders, an update from your organization in the next issue, please email CFL
and we are working to find ways to get the most important information Communications Director Jake Lewis at jlewis@chicagolabor.org.
directly to you,” said CFL Secretary-Treasurer Don Villar. “We are
always looking for new ways to communicate with labor leaders.
2020 CFL Labor Day Luncheon, Eddie Fest Cancelled
The 2020 CFL Labor Day Luncheon, scheduled for September 2, and The CFL is planning an online Labor Day celebration in 2020, with
Eddie Fest, scheduled for Sept. 5, are cancelled due to the COVID-19 additional details to be announced. Sponsors for the 2020 Luncheon
pandemic. The luncheon is considered to be the kick-off to Labor Day will be contacted with more information about supporting the CFL
weekend in Chicago and drew more than 1,000 attendees in 2019. The during this crisis.
inaugural Eddie Fest celebration was held last year, and saw hundreds
of union families attending.
F e d e r a t i o n N e w s | 1 1Prudential Plaza chicagolabor.org
180 N. Stetson Ave. NON-PROFIT
@chicagolabor
ORGANIZATION
Suite 1529 US POSTAGE
Chicago, Illinois 60601
PAID
CHICAGO IL
PERMIT NO 10005
CFL Delegates CONNECT WITH THE CFL
Meetings ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
START TIME:6 p.m. @CHICAGOLABOR
LOCATION: Location dependent on local public
health orders. The CFL will email location
information prior to the meeting.
Delegates must present their current Chicago
We’ve Moved!
Federation of Labor membership card or this The CFL completed its move into its new permanent office. The
notice for admission. We look forward to new CFL office address is:
full representation from your local union to
assist the Federation in the development of
its policies. 180 N. Stetson Ave.
Suite 1529
DON V. VILLAR
Chicago, IL 60601
SECRETARY-TREASURERYou can also read
