FEDERATION NEWS - A SHOT IN THE ARM CFL clinics vaccinate thousands of Chicagoland union members - Chicago Federation of ...
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ch ica g ol abor.org
@C hi c a g oL abor
FEDERATION NEWS I ssue 2 | 202 1
A SHOT
IN THE ARM
CFL clinics vaccinate
thousands of Chicagoland
union members
Table of Contents Federation News is a quarterly publication
of the Chicago Federation of Labor ©2021
Federation News is owned and controlled
Affiliate News 4 by the Chicago Federation of Labor for the
education, protection and advancement of
Carpenters Fight Wage Theft organized labor.
Cover Story 6 Editor in Chief: Robert G. Reiter Jr.,
President
CFL Vaccinates Union Members Editor: Don V. Villar, Secretary-Treasurer
Managing Editor: Jake Lewis
CFL News 10 Contributors: Gus Fuguitt, Jazmine Reyes,
Marcus Shepherd, and Nora Cay Ryan
Chicago Celebrates May Day
On the Cover
A union member is vaccinated at a CFL clinic
on April 6, 2021
Photo: CFL
125 Years of
Organizing Chicago
Workers
For 125 years, the CFL
has supported organizing
campaigns throughout Cook
County. Here’s an editorial
cartoon from a 1937 edition
of The Federation News
supporting organzing.
Visit CFLOrganize.org to
learn more about the CFL’s
organizing efforts, and
search the hashtag #CFL125
on social media to see more
content from our archives!
FederationNews
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
As the Biden administration ramped up set out by the Biden administration. It is
vaccine distribution across the country, because of the efforts of Chicago’s unions
Chicago union workers have led the way that so many workers are now protected
in getting vaccinated. With the vaccine from COVID-19. If we keep this up, we can
now accessible to all, it will be even move past this pandemic once and for all.
more important to encourage our fellow
Chicagoans to get vaccinated, so as However, now is not the time to
the summer continues, we can take our foot off of the gas.
see more of our workers This summer will be
back on the job. critical in our city’s
vaccination timeline.
In April, the CFL was With all Illinoisans
proud to lead the way eligible to receive
in vaccinations for the vaccine and
union members. In our city and state
collaboration with on to Phase Five
the city of Chicago reopening, we have
and the State of to encourage our
Illinois, the CFL friends and family
hosted several mass to make a plan to
vaccination clinics get vaccinated if
across the Chicagoland they have not done
area that were aimed at so already. Labor has
union essential workers shown up from the start,
who live and work in the city and we will continue to show
of Chicago, Cook County, and up and lead the way in our return
the broader Northeast Illinois region. We to normalcy.
vaccinated nearly 5,000 union members
as part of these efforts, the first in the Unions understand the importance of
nation to be run by the labor movement for sticking together through to the end of this
union members. Yet again, Chicago union pandemic, and as one we will lead the way
members are demonstrating that we are out of this crisis.
the backbone of the city and the heart of
the American Labor movement.
Union members have sacrificed their lives
and livelihoods throughout this pandemic Bob Reiter
to keep our city, state, and nation moving. President
Illinois has made great progress in
vaccinating its residents ahead of the goals
FederationNews
AffiliateNews
AFFILIATE NEWS
Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters
Executive Secretary Treasurer Gary
Perinar joins state leaders to announce
the Tax Fraud Days of Action.
employees as independent
contractors. When this occurs,
the state loses out on key revenue
because cheating contractors
are not paying income taxes,
employment taxes for Social
Security and Medicare, and
contributions for workers’
compensation and unemployment
insurance.
A recent study from the Illinois
Economic Policy Institute said 20
percent of construction workers
in Illinois are victims of payroll
fraud. Factoring in lost wages and
benefits, this cost the state $186
million in lost revenue in 2018.
Carpenters Battle Wage officials to clearly explain how Article submitted by the Chicago
much tax revenue and insurance Regional Council of Carpenters
Theft and Tax Fraud compensation the State of Illinois
On April 7, the Chicago Regional
is losing because tax fraud has Jewel Transportation
been left unchecked.
Council of Carpenters launched Workers Ratify New
an aggressive campaign to raise Contract
“Construction industry tax fraud
public awareness about pervasive
affects ever man, woman and child
tax fraud in the construction On April 9, the Teamsters Local
in Illinois,” said Gary Perinar,
industry and called on elected 710 members who work in the
Executive Secretary Treasurer
officials to help crack down on Transportation division of the
of the Chicago Regional Council
subcontractors who cheat the Jewel Food Stores Distribution
of Carpenters. “Every time an
system. Center in Melrose Park, Ill. ratified
unscrupulous contractor cheats
the system and doesn’t pay the a new five-year agreement with
In coordination with the over 72 percent voting to accept
state what they owe, that means
500,000-member United the new tentative agreement.
less money in the public coffers
Brotherhood of Carpenters and
for education, public safety,
Joiners of America, the Chicago The Transportation members
healthcare and other essential
Regional Council and its 30,000 voted to reject the original
services. We’re calling on our
hardworking men and women tentative agreement on March 22,
elected officials at the local, state
stood up and joined workers and the union and the company
and federal levels to hold cheating
across North America for ‘Tax resumed negotiations to continue
contractors accountable and help
Fraud Days of Action’ from April bargaining on April 1.
ease the burden on taxpayers.”
13 to 16. The Council planned
numerous events across the state “We made it clear to the employer
In the construction industry, tax
that included appearances by the at the bargaining table that the
fraud most often comes in two
Attorney General, Comptroller, original tentative agreement had
forms: paying employees in cash,
Treasurer and other statewide some problematic areas, and
and purposely misclassifying
FederationNews 4
AffiliateNews
On April 15, arts comedy educators
educators and facilitators from The Second City-
from The Second City- Chicago into the Illinois
Chicago celebrated the Federation of Teachers,”
announcement by the said IFT President
National Labor Relations Dan Montgomery.
Board that workers have “As members of
overwhelmingly (95 the Association of
percent) voted to form International Comedy
a union, the Association Educators and IFT/AFT,
of International Comedy these professionals will
Educators (AICE). now have the powerful
voice they deserve to
“From this day forward, make improvements
our educators have an in their workplace
official means to work for themselves, their
with management that students, and the famed
parallels the impact they institution they love. It’s
have on our students,” a win for everyone at The
said Taylor Walters- Second City.”
Chapman, a four-year
Teamsters Local 710 acting program teacher. The Second City boasts
members vote to ratify
“We are so ready to build stages and training
their new contract.
this new relationship in centers in three cities,
which the The Second including the original
the members enforced “Our Jewel brothers City faculty, facilitators, Chicago location, as
that when they strongly on the committee did and musical directors well as in Toronto and
rejected it,” said an outstanding job are instrumental in Hollywood. In February,
Teamsters Local 710 throughout these very upholding the integrity more than 100 comedy
Secretary-Treasurer difficult negotiations,” of this institution and educators in Toronto
Mike Cales. “There were said Cales. “This was advocating for the next voted to join AICE and
only a handful of issues no easy task, and generation of talent and the Communications
to still address, and they while you’ll never get teachers alike.” Workers of America
were near and dear to the everything you want at (CWA)–Canada. On
members. We had some the bargaining table, The Chicago-based April 7, educators and
productive dialogue with we were still able to win AICE members are now facilitators at The Second
Jewel, and the union was strong improvements affiliates of the Illinois City-Hollywood location
successful in securing across the board for our Federation of Teachers, also voted to join AICE
additional protections for Transportation members. a state chapter of the and are now represented
the rank and file.” Now the real work begins. American Federation of by CWA Local #9400.
This Local is committed Teachers/AFL-CIO.
Improvements to to continue to hold Article submitted by the
the latest agreement Jewel’s feet to the fire “We are excited to Illinois Federation of
centered around the as we enforce this new welcome the incredible Teachers
employer’s use of agreement and ensure
onboard cameras. The our members are treated
new language limits the with dignity and respect
use of audio recordings, in the workplace.”
reduces discipline arising
from the cameras, and Article submitted by the
driving behaviors with Teamsters Local 710
regard to the cameras
will be a topic of Educators at
discussion with the joint
Safety Committee so the
Chicago’s Famed
union can stay on top of Second City Win
those issues. Union Election
5 FederationNews
CoverStory PROTECTING CHICAGO’S HEROES CFL vaccination clinics bring COVID-19 vaccine directly to union members Union members receive the COVID-19 vaccine during the CFL vaccination clinic on April 6, 2021. FederationNews 6
T
he advantages of unionization
have long been tied to better
wages, dignity on the job, and
expanded benefits. In Chicago,
union members added one more
advantage to the growing list:
the COVID-19 vaccine.
In late March, the city announced vaccine eligibility
would enter Phase 1C, expanding eligibility to
Chicagoans aged 16-64 with underlying medical
conditions, as well as all other essential workers
who had not qualified during Phase 1B. With a large
portion of union members falling into this category,
the Chicago Federation of Labor jumped into action
to get essential workers vaccinated.
“Many of our affiliates were frustrated with the
fact that most union members were put into the
1C category, even though these women and men
remained on the job throughout the pandemic,”
said CFL Assistant to the President/Chief of Staff
Nora Cay Ryan. “We knew that when the 1C category
became eligible, it would be critical to have a union-
run program to ensure we were vaccinating as many
members as quickly as possible.”
Top leadership at the city and state level
acknowledged the value of partnering with Labor,
and with their cooperation, the CFL opened its very
own union-led COVID-19 vaccination clinic on
Monday, March 29 at the International Union of
Operating Engineers Local 399.
“Unions are trusted messengers and dedicated
advocates for thousands of Chicago’s essential
workers, and this collaboration will ensure that
workers with the highest need will have access
to the vaccine as we enter Phase 1C,” said city of
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “I want to thank the
Chicago Federation of Labor for their partnership,
which will help to reduce vaccine hesitancy, support
our equity goals and put our city on a path to true
recovery from this terrible pandemic.”
The CFL’s vaccine program had the capacity to
handle approximately 1,200 vaccinations a week—
with 1,185 shots administered to union members
at the first clinic. The system was unlike any other.
Its layout allowed for 100 chairs to be spaced out
throughout the large union hall where 50 people
could get vaccinated every 15 minutes.
“This vaccination site is one of a kind,” said CFL
President Bob Reiter. “It is the first in the country
that is run by the labor movement specifically for
union members. Two thirds of our members are
FederationNews
CoverStory
Vice President Kamala
Harris (left) talks with
SEIU Local 1 member
Lucio Polanco (seated)
as he receives his
COVID-19 vaccination.
Black and Brown workers, and we must do everything Harris. “Because this site is a model for the rest of
we can to get this vaccine into arms as quickly as the country, a safe place to come where the dignity
possible… Today is a new beginning, a huge step of work is recognized… We see light at the end of
forward out of the darkness of the past year toward a the tunnel because we’ve gone through so much as a
brighter future.” nation.”
And these union-led efforts did not go unnoticed. “You know the power of the collective. You know
The following week, the CFL welcomed Vice President the importance and the strength of people standing
Kamala Harris, alongside Mayor Lightfoot, Gov. together,” she said. “We’re all here to make a
J.B. Pritzker, U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy statement that we understand the significance of
Duckworth, and U.S. Rep. Danny Davis at IUOE Local getting vaccinated, that it’s bigger than us” adding
399. During her special visit, Vice President Harris that now more than ever it is critical that union
toured the vaccination site and praised the effort. members reach out to their friends and family to
encourage them to get vaccinated.
“I came to say thank you,” said Vice President
STILL NEED TO GET VACCINATED?
Visit vaccines.gov to find your closest vaccine location
and make your appointment today!
FederationNews 6
CoverStory
“Please help us. Tell your been out of work since vaccinated nearly 5,000 Bellwood, Ill. to use their
friends and your family the pandemic began 15 members. union halls to run these
members and your co- months ago. “The more clinics. It really took
workers when it’s their vaccinations we get, the “What made our program the combined efforts
time to get vaccinated, more potential we have so successful is it was of so many people and
remind people of their to open our venues—to for union members by organizations to bring
power to do something at least some capacity—if union members,” said this program to life.”
that will save their lives,” not full capacity. That’ll Ryan. “We teamed up
Harris said. “The people mean our work comes with the pharmacists “Chicago’s union
who carry the most back, and people can get at Jewel-Osco, all of workers have sacrificed
weight are our peers, the back to concert season, whom are represented by their lives and livelihoods
people we respect. So I’m ballets, shows, all of that. either Teamsters Local to keep this city moving
here to ask you to do a The more people get the 727 or UFCW Local 881, during this unimaginable
little bit more and help vaccine, the closer we to distribute to vaccine. crisis,” said Reiter.
us, so we can truly get are to getting back on the We also teamed up with
back up on our feet.” job.” IUOE Local 399 and “Unions work every
Plumbers Local 130, both day to help ensure the
And workers who have Over the course of in Chicago, and Cement health and safety of
stood on the frontlines six clinics, the CFL Masons Local 502 in their members, and we
since the are proud to have
pandemic began vaccinated thousands
understand of workers in the city
not only the of Chicago across
importance dozens of industries,
of getting especially Black
vaccinated, and Latinx workers
but also the who have been hit
importance of especially hard by the
banding together virus,” said Reiter.
to protect one “Yet again, Chicago
another. is leading the way for
the rest of the nation
“I am out there in standing up for
every day with working people. If
the members,” there is one thing this
said John Rule, a city can count on—
Teamsters Local it’s that Chicago’s
710 member. “I union women and
caught COVID Union members wait for men will rise to any
back in early their vaccine appointments challenge to keep this
November. outside of IUOE Local 399. city running.”
Thank God I
didn’t have any Visit the CFL’s website
“[T]his site is a model for the
real problems, at chicagolabor.org or
but the wife was the CFL’s social media
in the hospital… channels
Just get it done.” rest of the country, a safe place @ChicagoLabor on
Facebook, Twitter, and
“It’s important
to get the
to come where the dignity of Instagram for photos
and videos of the CFL’s
vaccine, not
just for you, work is recognized” vaccination clinics
as well as more from
but for other Vice President Kamala
people,” said Harris’ visit to Chicago.
Slick Jorgensen,
member of
- Vice President
IATSE Local
2, who has
Kamala Harris
7 FederationNews
CFLNews
CFL NEWS
CFL Celebrates the
Women of Labor
To mark Women’s History Month
and celebrate the hardworking
women of labor, the CFL held
its annual Woman of the Year
ceremony as well as a virtual panel
discussion about the impact of the
pandemic on women workers.
At the April 6 CFL Delegates
meeting, the CFL honored Carole
Pollitz as the 2021 Woman of the
Year. She has been a member of
IBEW Local 134 for more than 30
years. She began her career in
the labor movement as a union Panel participants during the April Pandemic on Women.” The panel
apprentice, then continued as 8 virtual event One Year In: The discussion explored the impact of
Impact of the Pandmic on Women the COVID-19 pandemic on women
Journeyman Wireman/Foreman
in the construction field. She then and included: Cherita Ellens of
appointed by Business Manager
served as an instructor for the Women Employed, Ms. Pollitz,
Don Finn in 2015.
IBEW-NECA Apprenticeship. Mamie Pratt of UFCW Local 881
and the Chicago Chapter of the
Pollitz became the first woman Then, on April 8, women leaders Coalition of Black Trade Unionists,
Business Representative under from across the movement came Ann Bolden of Painters District
the Construction agreement in the together for a virtual event entitled Council 14, Roushaunda Williams
history of Local 134 when she was “One Year In: The Impact of the of UNITE HERE Local 1, and Lori
2021 CFL Woman of the Year Carole Pollitz
(center) with CFL President Bob Reiter (left)
and Secretary-Treasurer Don Villar (right).
FederationNews 10CFLNews
Torres of the Chicago Memorial below) as part of its 125th
Teachers Union. statue. anniversary celebration.
The new logo and
Women have been Following branding is rolling out
disproportiantely the FIOM this summer across CFL
impacted by the dedication products.
pandemic, bearing event, labor
the vast majority of leaders “Our 125th anniversary
job losses. The labor gathered is a great opportunity to
movement continues alongside revisit and refresh our
to find ways to support community brand,” said CFL Director
women as the country members to of Communications Jake
reopens and the honor the Lewis. “We are excited to
pandemic recedes. The Coalition of update our brand to stay
discussion is available Black Trade current while not losing
for viewing on the CFL’s Unionists our important history.”
Facebook and YouTube with an
pages. honorary In addition to the
plaque as updated branding and
well. At logo, the CFL is also
CFL Honors
the event, rolling out a newly
Workers During CFL Secretary-Treasurer members of CBTU spoke updated website.
May Day Don Villar after running
honor of labor and Development is ongoing,
the CFL 5k for May Day.
recognize the power of and the site is expected
On May 1, workers all workers to uplift one to be live by late July. The
across the country learn more about labor
another. site will include a newly
celebrated International history. From the streets
revamped webstore
Workers Day, also known of Downtown Chicago, all
“I want us to look at featuring updated CFL
as May Day. May Day the way to Washington
May Day as a way to and Proud Union Home
is a time for workers to D.C., participants laced
rejuvenate ourselves,” gear.
remember the struggles up in celebration of
said Terry Melvin,
of the past while workers, submitted
national President of the “Our iconic links logo
rededicating themselves photos of their runs, and
CBTU. “A day to get ready is part of who we are at
to the fight for fairness competed for prizes.
for the battles we have the CFL, but we must
for all working people. ahead of us… Today is a continually refresh our
Additionally, the CFL
great day.” look,” said CFL President
Despite the ongoing partnered with the
Bob Reiter. “I’m excited
restrictions on in-person Illinois Labor History
Society to host a series CFL To Update to update our brand
gatherings due to the as part of our 125th
COVID-19 pandemic, of online events at the Brand, Logo, anniversary celebration.”
the Labor community Haymarket Memorial. Website as Part
On May Day, Secretary-
kept the spirit of May of Anniversary Keep an eye out for the
Day running strong by Treasurer Don Villar
joined Larry Spivak, Celebration updated CFL branding
hosting a series of virtual later this summer!
and in-person events President of the
Illinois Labor History The Chicago Federation
and programming to of Labor is proud to Visit chicagolabor.org to
celebrate throughout the Society to celebrate learn more about the new
the Italian Federation announce its updated
day. logo and branding (see branding!
of Metalworkers
Here in Chicago, the CFL (Federazione
launched its inaugural Impiegati Operai
5k for May Day Virtual Metallurgici,
Run & Walk, an event FIOM) by
to celebrate labor presenting them
while socially distant, with an honorary
encouraging supporters plaque for the
to get active as they Haymarket
11 FederationNewsNON-PROFIT
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UPCOMING CFL DELEGATES MEETINGS
Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021 Delegates must present their current
Chicago Federation of Labor membership
Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 card or this notice for admission. We look
forward to full representation from your
Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021 local union to assist the Federation in the
development of its policies.
6 p.m.
Location dependent on local
public health orders. The CFL will
email location information prior
to the meeting. Don V. Villar
Secretary-TreasurerYou can also read
