On June 24th, Action Now members joined hundreds of other working people in Chicago at
Action Now working families marching to the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
the Thompson Center to demand a raise in the minimum wage! Action Now members in other areas of Illinois also held similar protests in Springfield and Moline.
In Chicago, we marched from the Thompson Center to the Aon Center, where the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is located. The Chamber of Commerce has consistently opposed raising the minimum wage and uses its lobbying power in Springfield to stop legislation that would help workers. The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce only looks out for the interests of big business and the 1%, so we showed up demonstrate the power of the 99% and to call for them to end their fight against increasing the minimum wage.
Members chanting in Springfield, IL to raise the minimum wage!
In Springfield, Action Now members rallied outside the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to demand a raise in the minimum wage. Members protested in Springfield because they believe that low wage workers should not have to “scrape” by while the big business they work for are making record profits.
Video below of Jordan Humphreys, Action Now member and minimum wage worker, speaking to WICS ABC 20 in Springfield about raising the minimum wage:
Protest at Rep. Schilling’s office in Moline, IL
In Moline, Action Now members held a protest outside of Representative Bob Shilling’s office to demand that he support a minimum wage increase! Minimum wage worker Lorraine Washington, traveled from Peoria for the protest. She is a chef at Embassy Suites in Peoria and only makes $8.25 an hour. She has to support four children and one grandchild that live in her home. “It’s hard to feed the kids and pay the rent off $8.25 an hour,” Ms. Washington said.
Press: Quad Cities Dispatch, “Schilling backers counter Tuesday wage protest”
While Action Now members were fighting for a raise for working families, similar protests were being held all over the country. June 24th was a Day of Action where working Americans united to take back our economy and demand a living wage for a hard day of work! Click here to see photos from rallies all over the country.
Press coverage of Chicago protest:
FOX Chicago, “Hundreds of low wage workers march demanding higher pay”
NBC Chicago, “Chicagoans March for Minimum Wage Increase”
Examiner.com, “Chicago groups march for minimum wage increase”
HOY, “Quieren un salario mínimo que alcance para vivir”
ABC 7 News, “Teachers rally as CPS board postpones budget vote”
CMW Newstips, “To grow jobs, raise wages”
