Fwd: Media Advisory: Second-Hand Store Workers are not "Second-Class" Workers

[Jorge Mujica]

Arise Chicago

FAITH | LABOR | ACTION

www.arisechicago.org

November 20, 2013 Media Advisory

Contact:
Rev. CJ Hawking, Arise Chicago 773-937-1826

Second-Hand Store Workers not

"Second-Class" Workers

Local Clergy to present customer pledges of support for unionizing workers

WHAT: Clergy to present community pledge of support for workers to Unique Thrift Store management and call for a fair union election free of company interference

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 21^st, 11:00am

WHERE: Unique Thrift Store, 4445 N. Sheridan Ave., Chicago

WHO: Workers joined by local clergy and community supporters

VISUAL: Giant customer pledge with hundreds of signatures

Workers of Unique Thrift Store in Uptown have collected hundreds of signatures from customers who support their campaign for respect on the job, better pay, and safe working conditions.  Workers complain of low-wages, lack of proper safety and hygiene protections, and unfair treatment from supervisors. 

Unique Thrift Store workers sought the help of Arise Chicago, a nonprofit interfaith workers' rights organization.  In December 2012 they walked off the job in protest after their concerns were not addressed.  A majority of the workforce has called for a union election with Chicago Midwest Regional Joint Board, Workers United - SEIU, and will vote on December 4th, 2013.  Arise Chicago supports the workers' right to form a union, and is organizing the community delegation. 

Arise Chicago builds partnerships between faith communities and workers to fight workplace injustice through education and organizing and advocating for public policy changes. Its Worker Center is a community resource for workers, both immigrant and native-born, to learn about their rights and join fellow workers to improve workplace conditions.

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Adam Kader
Worker Center Director
ARISE CHICAGO
773-937-1826

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Jorge Mujica

773-844-9910