Jill Manrique, Executive Director of Chicago Jobs with Justice, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Workers’ Memorial Day, immigrant worker rights and the upcoming May Day celebration in Chicago.
According to Manrique, Chicago Jobs with Justice has been at the forefront of supporting immigrant workers, particularly in response to the influx of Venezuelan migrants. Manrique described how the organization has shifted its focus to provide immediate assistance, including food, supplies and shelter support. Recognizing the potential for long-term integration, the organization has collaborated with trade unions to explore apprenticeship readiness programs and employment opportunities for skilled migrants. Manrique said this proactive approach could address immediate needs and foster long-term economic stability for immigrant communities in the Chicagoland area.
As with every Workers’ Memorial Day, workplace safety remains a critical concern, but with potential rollbacks in federal regulations, it has become a greater focus. Manrique emphasized the importance of educating workers about their rights and the role of regulatory agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. She discussed the organization's efforts to provide "Know Your Rights" training to both rank-and-file uneion members and leadership, ensuring that workers are equipped to advocate for their safety. Manrique said the need for continued vigilance and education to prevent workplace accidents and protect vulnerable workers, particularly in industries with high injury rates.
Finally Manrique discussed the upcoming May Day celebration in Chicago, which she believes will be a massive demonstration of worker solidarity. Manrique enthusiastically described the event, which will begin at Union Park and march to Grant Park, with tens of thousands of participants from labor unions and community organizations projected to attend. She said the gathering is a powerful reminder of Chicago's strong labor tradition and the ongoing fight for workers' rights.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about Chicago Jobs with Justice's work and the state of labor rights in Chicago with Manrique.
America’s Work Force is the only daily labor podcast in the US and has been on the air since 1993, supplying listeners with useful, relevant input into their daily lives through fact-finding features, in-depth interviews, informative news segments and practical consumer reports. America’s Work Force is committed to providing an accessible venue in which America's workers and their families can hear discussion on important, relevant topics such as employment, healthcare, legislative action, labor-management relations, corporate practices, finances, local and national politics, consumer reports and labor issues.
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