For six years the workers at Chicago's Congress Hotel, on Michigan Ave., have been on strike. This afternoon, in recognition of that anniversary, there was a large rally in front of the hotel. Though he was in town Pres. Obama did not attend though he had picketed while he was campaigning for the presidency. However, IL. Governor Patrick Quinn was present and gave a rousing speech. There were a number of Aldermen and others who spoke.
The Negstads were represented by three generations. Lars is a research analyst for the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees #1 (U.N.I.T.E.H.E.R.E.), Chicago. We brought Mai-Evy to her first demonstration. She was a big hit in her U.N.I.T.E.H.E.R.E. bib thought she didn't much like the noise.
I was moved by speakers who described the differences between working in a unionized hotel and one that was not. Lars was instrumental in the passage of a state law giving Chicago hotel maids two fifteen minute breaks per day.
I wonder what the dynamics are for people who blithely cross the picket and sit by the restaurant window at dinner gazing out at the picketers. Is it a "I've got mine" mind set? Is it a "workers don't deserve more" frame of mind?
I'm proud that Lars has chosen to dedicate his life to worker justice. Oh, yes, when you stay at a hotel/motel don't forget to tip the maid. A couple of dollars won't hurt you but can make a world of difference to a poor woman trying to make ends meet.
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