'We Make the City Work'

CHICAGO

Thousands of union members rallied in downtown Chicago recently to shout that message at officials who have failed to reach a contract agreement with 3,000 city employees.

Blustery, chilly weather conditions in the night couldn't prevent the throng — comprised of members of several unions, including AFSCME Council 31 — from voicing their displeasure at working 18 months without a contract. The members have come together to form Working For Chicago, which is fighting City Hall to force a deal that offers a fair wage increase, holds down health care costs and steers away from privatization efforts.

In addition to the demonstration, the coalition staged five town-hall meetings in which hundreds of workers lobbied aldermen to support them in their contract campaign. More meetings have been scheduled.

Members have also testified at budget hearings before the city council. Barney Franklin, president of Local 2946, told the panel: "All we are looking for is a fair and decent proposal that reflects our dedication to Chicago, because we don't just work in the city, we live in the city. We pay taxes and shop in the city.

"We also send our children to public schools in the city, and we have a vested interest in seeing Chicago succeed." Members from the six AFSCME locals that represent city workers have started their own campaign, even as they remain active supporters of Working For Chicago. Earlier, 1,500 of them turned out to conduct informational pickets at worksites across the city.