Chicago’s United Centers Workers went on strike again. The Union had been planning to go on strike. The union includes cleaning staff, coking staff, concession staff, security guards, etc. Since the Union authorized a strike with 985 of the members voting in the favor of “Yes.” The reason they wanted to go on strike is that they want a contract with benefits. They want to have the same benefits and pensions that other stadium workers like the White Sox Workers get. Levy which is the company that serves food at the UC (United Center) said the workers can qualify for benefits once they bundle their hours at all three venues (Wrigley Field, UC, and Guaranteed Rate Field).
The Strike was planned to be made after Levy and the workers had a conference and showed no improvement. Many were worried because the strike was planned to be made Wednesday 3/8/2023, which is also the day that The big Ten Tournament-Chicago kicked off.
Why was there a strike?
Throughout 2022, UC workers have filed more than 22 labor complaints to Levy. Additionally, the workers got over-scheduled which is a violation of the Illinois One Day Rest in Seven Act. That act states that any worker is allowed a full day (24 hours) off. In this case, workers said that they had worked 35 consecutive days straight because of Levy’s Scheduling. The workers are also asking for better benefits, better health care options, higher wages, pensions, and better retirement plans. Those who have worked at the arena and other Levy’s arenas have been saying working conditions are not fair. They do not feel heard, or understood, even after working there for decades.
Levy in Chicago
The company has provided food and beverage in sports venues nationwide since 1978. Levy does not only own restaurants in The United Center, Wrigley Field, and Guaranteed Rate Field. Furthermore, they owned D.B. Kaplans Delicatessen and River Roast, which have been transferred to another owner, or closed down.
Their response to the UC workers however includes the following, they had agreed to:
- Increase Pay ($4-5 more).
- Put starting wage at $20 an hour.
- Paid Leave.
- New Pension Plan.
- Federal Mediation.
Strikes and Unions
Chicago is one of the best cities to work, is because it has one of the safer working environments in the U.S. Not to mention, most of the workers in the city get working benefits. Although that goes for most, it’s not the case the for everyone. The city has a large number of immigrants working the most laborious jobs at minimum wage, with no benefits or health care.
That is why it is important to have Unions. First, Unions make sure everyone gets the same amount of rights. Secondly, they make sure everyone’s voice is heard. Third, they are harder to ignore because they consist of a large number of people. Fourth, it lets the company know that the workers are united.
Benefits workers get through Unions:
- A voice through Unions.
- Higher wages.
- Better benefits.
- Better health care.
- Safer workplaces.
- Pensions offered.
Unions in Chicago
The United Center is not the only Union that exists in this city. In fact, because there are so many workers in the city, there are many more unions than people expect. Not to mention, there are Unions in every workplace. Like, as schools, public transportation, stadiums, fast food chains, etc. Unions can be used to strike for better rights, but there are unions that try to develop close relationships with employers.
These Trade Labor Unions found in the City Include:
- Architectural Iron Worker.
- Boilermakers.
- Carpenters.
- Cement Masons.
- Drywall Finisher.
- Laborers.
- Plumbers.
- Sheet Metal Workers.
- Electricians.
- Painters, etc.
These are only a few of many Labor Unions that are found in Chicago and all over Illinois, for hundreds of more visit Ides.illinois.gov. There is a Union for everyone and everything, if someone feels that they are not working under fair work conditions, going to a Union could be a solution. Be aware, that some workplaces, do not allow workers to form Unions and have signed that when first working there. Unions have their downs but are mostly used to help improve working conditions. Until jobs are fair to their workers, there will continue being Unions and strikes.
By Adriana Castelan
Sources:
Chicago Tribune: United Center concession workers strike ahead of Big Ten Tournament
NBC: United Center Food Workers, Levy Officials Aim to Avoid Strike Ahead of Big Ten Tournament
ABC 7: Another United Center concessions strike possible with Big 10 Tournament set for Wednesday
Featured Image Courtesy of Sean P. Anderson Flickr page- Creative Commons license
Inset Image Courtesy of socogirl5000 Flickr page- Creative Commons License
