Yesterday from 4 to 6 p.m., over a thousand supporters commemorated the fifth anniversary of Chicago's Congress Hotel strike by marching with the striking workers in front of the Michigan Avenue hotel. In fact, it's not even accurate to write that the crowd gathered "in front," as the double-ringed picket line encircled the entire hotel (half a city block!). The boisterous crowd included unions members from across the city, as well as various community groups and activists, clergy, and elected officials. Meanwhile, passing cars honked their horns in support as the Teamsters drove huge semi-trailers up and down Michigan Avenue. Guests arriving at the hotel were greeted to hundreds of protesters chanting "Shame on you!"
For more on the history of the action -- the "longest active strike in the country," according to SEIU Local 1 -- check out Adam's feature article from earlier this week.
Photos available for download and republication here.
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