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.

Campaign Update: IL Governors Race

Today, Union Summer Chicago stood with our brothers and sisters from Interfaith Worker Justice, Jobs for Justice, Latino Union, IL Pro-Choice Action Team, and others to protest GOP Gubernatorial candidate, Bill Brady. Over the weekend, Mr. Brady made it known that he believes that minimum wage should be lowered in Illinois by an entire dollar. This is unacceptable! Union Summer took to the front lines and rallied outside the restaurant Brady was speaking in.

Over and over this summer, I have seen the importance of earning a living wage. It is important for families trying to put food on the table by staying above the poverty line, it important for young people who face some of the highest rates of unemployment and underemployment, and it is important for women, who already meet the issue of pay inequity every day. Because of this importance, minimum wage should NOT be decreased. Decreasing minimum wage by a dollar would place undue burden and hardship on individuals who work hard every day to provide for themselves and their families.

For more information, you can go to WhoisBillBrady.com and see for yourself!