Prosser Job Fair

Hello everyone! Long time no blog. I just wanted to post an update regarding the job fair that Rae and I attended last week. The Prosser High School job fair was a great way to meet unemployed and underemployed workers in Chicagoland. I got to hear the stories and concerns of many people while encouraging them to join U-Cubed (http://www.unionofunemployed.com/) and The Unemployed Workers Council to help combat this unemployment problem. While I was optimistic by the turnout and the people who signed up and took our fliers, it has not translated into new people on U-Cubed.
It was interesting to be a part of a job fair that was partly sponsored by Wal-Mart (http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/metro/walmart-seeks-new-workers-through-job-fair-20100722) and that was attended by Mayor Daley and Emma Mitts, who are strong supporters of Wal-Mart and anti-living wage. Though no Wal-Mart bashing was part of my spiel, I did focus on telling people how through U-Cubed and The Unemployed Workers Council we can demand "good paying jobs." It seemed to be clear that most people were concerned with being able to support themselves and a family.
One gentleman's story was perfect example of how low wage jobs are killing us. He had to work three jobs in order to support his family, and because he worked three jobs there was little if any time for rest causing a disorder in his body. The disorder prohibited him from working again and put him on disability. It is stories like these that should anger us and make us demand something be done. With low paying jobs like Wal-Mart we will all be doomed to the same fate as this man.