The SEIU Local 1 will hold a rally in support of union security officers today, Thursday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. at the Thompson Center. Joining in support of the hundreds of these SEIU security officers are Alderman Ricardo Muñoz (22nd Ward), Alderman Scott Wauguespack (32nd Ward), Alderman John Arena (45th Ward), Alderman Will Burns (4thWard) and 7th Illinois District Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL). In addition, hundreds of supporters will attend the event to bring to light the security officers struggle for a fair contract.
These SEIU Local 1 security officers secure downtown buildings day in and day out and this rally will kick off their campaign to reduce gun violence and improve Chicago jobs at 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 21.
Security officers are the first responders in this increasingly dangerous city. While they put their lives on the line every day to keep the public safe, some security officers make as little as $20,400 a year and most go home to neighborhoods plagued by gun violence. That’s why Chicago security officers are launching a city-wide petition drive in support of President Obama’s legislative proposal to reduce gun violence and uniting for better wages and benefits.
The issue of gun violence has been brought to national attention by the shootings in Newtown last December and has been highlighted by the continuing rise in gun violence in Chicago with 500 gun-related deaths last year.
The issue has also been brought to the national spotlight in a local congressional race, with Robin Kelly gaining national prominence in her strong stand against gun violence and against the National Rifle Association.
The Illinois State Council of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) endorsed Robin Kelly for Congress for the 2nd Illinois Congressional district to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Jesse Jackson Jr.
The Illinois State Council said that Ms. Kelly is the "clear choice" for working families, adding that Robin Kelly has the passion and commitment to fight to rebuild the middle class and provide opportunity for all Americans. SEIU represents over 16,000 workers in the 2nd Illinois Congressional district and will be encouraging voters to support Robin Kelly for the special election on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013.
Last week SEIU released a radio ad opposing Debbie Halvorson based on her anti-worker voting record. She voted against extending unemployment insurance for workers who had lost their jobs and voted with Congressional Republicans 88 times. Halvorson also opposed making the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share when she voted to ensure couples with estates worth more than $10 million would continue to pay a lower tax rate. The ad is still airing on urban radio stations and can be viewed here: http://action.seiu.org/page/content/yes-radio/
The downtown security officers’ union contract expires April 21. Chicago’s high gun murder rate is directly related to its racialized income and wealth inequality. Improving service jobs, such as security jobs, is a direct route toward improving conditions in these neighborhoods and lowering the murder rate.
Send John Presta an email and your story ideas at johnpresta@att.net.
John is the author of an award-winning book, the 2010 Winner of the USA National Best Book award for African-American studies, published by The Elevator Group Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots: How Barack Obama, Two Bookstore Owners, and 300 Volunteers did it. Also available an eBook on Amazon. John is also a member of the Society of Midland Authors and is a book reviewer of political books for the New York Journal of Books. John has volunteered for many political campaigns.
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