Food Recycling Workers Walk Out On Strike

Protest low wages and disrespect after years of dedicated service

Media Contact:

Shelly Ruzicka

773-251-5003  |  @AriseChicago

[email protected]

What: Workers will walk off the job at 8am and announce their strike to media and supporters

When: Monday, Nov. 2 at 7:45am

Where:  ReConserve, Inc: 6160 River Road, Hodgkins, IL 

Who: Workers from ReConserve, Inc., Arise Chicago, clergy, UFCW Local 881

Background: After enduring years of abusive and racist managers, unsafe conditions, and an unjust “points” system, workers at ReConserve contacted Arise Chicago in 2019 to learn their rights and how to improve conditions. Workers subsequently voted for union representation with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 881. 

Negotiations, which have been in progress for several months, have stalled over wage increases. Workers report that management offers new hires higher wages than long-time employees, leading the workers to go out on strike.

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