Mon: Chicago Freshii Workers Union Picket | 200 W Randolph

Media Advisory

                  ***  Chicago Freshii Workers Union and Supporters to Picket Monday, September 15th  ***

As the Freshii Workers’ Union continues to weather attacks and union-busting tactics in their fight for official recognition and basic respect, union members and supporters will stage an informational picket denouncing Peter Irie’s prolonged campaign against organized labor.

	What: Informational picket

	Who: The Industrial Workers of the World Freshii Workers’ Union and supporters

	When: Monday, September 15th, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

	Where: 200 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60606

	Why: To inform the public of Irie’s actions against Freshii workers and demand an end to these actions.

Freshii Workers’ Union Facebook page: www.facebook.com/FreshiiUnion640

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/724609160907922/


							- END -


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

http://chicagoiww.org/2014/08/03/chicago-freshii-workers-demand-unpaid-wages-and-iww-recognition/



On Friday August 1st, a group of workers employed at a franchised Freshii
restaurant located at 200 w Randolph in the Chicago loop marched on their
boss to demand unpaid wages, an end to wage theft practices, and union
recognition with the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW).

The workers walked up to the store owner as he entered the location at
11:00 am to read and deliver their demand letter while wearing IWW pins.

Wage theft has been a consistent problem at this Freshii location, with
some workers owed more than $700 in unpaid wages. Many workers are also
owed unpaid overtime wages.

The demand letter asked for these unpaid wages to be delivered to the
workers in full by Friday August 8th. They have also demanded that their
boss officially recognize the Chicago Branch of the IWW as their official
representative so that they can begin collective bargaining immediately.

Workers ranged from new hires to employees who had worked at the location
for over a year. Previous employees at the location also joined them to
present their demand letter and to fight for their unpaid wages.

The majority of current employees have signed union authorization cards
for the IWW and are prepared to take all action necessary if their demands
are not met by this coming Friday.


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

					*******  CAMPAIGN GRAPHICS  *******


ORGANIZE!   >>>   http://imgur.com/4GWoIcB   <<<

For decades, we've been told that food service work is temporary or for the unambitious. We've been told that workers in this industry cannot be organized and should just be thankful for anything they get. We know we're worth FAR more than the scraps we're given!

WE are NOT disposable! We are the reason Freshii makes millions every year. When we all come together, we can finally claim what's always been rightfully ours: Dignity, respect, pride, and our fair share of the profits WE have made. Join the IWW Freshii Workers Union and FIGHT for what you deserve!


					*************************************


ARE YOU TIRED OF WORKING HARD FOR LOW WAGES?   >>>   http://imgur.com/HaSuwUW   <<<

Freshii Workers Union
FIGHT. ORGANIZE.

Are you tired of...

Working hard for low wages?
Everyone deserves a living wage! While Freshii reported $31.6 Million in sales last year, worker's incomes are well below the poverty line!

Not having control over your schedule?
Working hectic, irregular, or insufficient hours can be hell on your private life and ability to perform at work!

Fearing the loss of your job every time you're sick?
Without sick days, every worker chooses between losing needed wages or working through an illness.

TAKE ACTION! Join the IWW Freshii Workers Union and FIGHT for what you deserve!


					*************************************


YOU MAY HAVE BEEN APPROACHED BY A FRESHII UNION BUSTER   >>>   http://imgur.com/z4TsnNF   <<<

You may have been approached by a freshii union buster. Union busters are paid to talk you out of doing what may be in your best interest to further the interests of the company you work for. Because of this, we think it is important that you know all the facts before you make any decision based on union buster propaganda alone. Remember: union busters will often tell workers they may get things like small pay increases, more favorable hours, or really anything else, but these promises cannot be kept for all workers unles all workers work TOGETHER!


					*************************************


BANNER: Freshii Workers Union. FIGHT. ORGANIZE   >>>   http://imgur.com/GEVRXxU   <<<


					*************************************


JOIN THE IWW TODAY.   >>>   http://imgur.com/bSJq9PI   <<<

You May Not Like Class Struggle
But The Class Struggle Is Upon You

Join The IWW Today. There Is Power In A Union.

Contact your local IWW delegate or visit IWW.org for more information


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

		Help Needed for IWW Freshii Workers' Union Organzers!

		http://may1chicago.wix.com/helpalison


Last month, Freshii workers at 200 w Randolph in Chicago marched on their boss to demand the return of nearly $2,000 in stolen wages and union recognition. Of the two demands, the stolen wages were returned to the workers. While the fight for union recognition continues, Heather Sprigler has been illegally fired in retaliation for her role in the organizing efforts. Last week, Alison Olhava fell ill and her boss, Peter Irie, cut her hours from a normal 35 a week to a dismal 8.  Peter has refused to meet with Alison and    her IWW representatives to discuss this change in scheduling.

While ULPs have been filed, Alison and Heather are roommates and their household is badly in need of financial support. Neither Heather nor Alison are paid organizers and both rely on wage work. Their household includes Alison, her partner who is currently seeking employment, Heather, her two year old son Santiago, and Alison's 9 month old puppy.

All money raised will go toward basic necessities like rent, bills, and keeping food on the table. If additional funds are raised, it will be used to support the IWW Freshii Workers' Union in other ways. Please stay tuned to our facebook (linked above) for details on an upcoming action to support Freshii workers!

Heather Sprigler is a student, a mother of 3, an IWW member, and an IWW Freshii Workers' Union organizer. She has a son Santiago, age 2.

Alison Olhava is an IWW member, delegate, officer, and IWW Freshii Workers' Union organizer.

The IWW is a rank-and-file-run, anti-capitalist union for all workers, dedicated to organizing both on and off the job, in our industries and our communities.


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________