LOCAL 18007 STEWARD REPORT

Brothers and Sisters,

This month is May and we all look forward to receiving our negotiated wage increase on the first. As we enjoy this benefit, let us take a moment to reflect on how we have gotten to this point. First, thank you to the executive board of local 18007 for negotiating a contract that allows us to pride for our families. When we investigate this special time of year a little further, May first is not a random date to receive a wage increase. May first is International Worker’s Day, also known as May Day, Worker’s Day, Labor Day, and May Day in many countries. This date was chosen to commemorate a labor event which occurred right here in Chicago on May 4th, 1886. This event is known as the Haymarket affair, Haymarket riot, Haymarket massacre, or Haymarket Square riot. The labor demonstration began on May first in support of workers striking for an eight-hour workday and ended in tragedy on May fourth. There were eleven deaths and over one hundred injured during the demonstration. An estimated 30000-40000 workers were on strike in Chicago. This rally is regarded as the single most influential event in labor history, not only for Chicago, or Illinois, but also for the world. Brothers and sisters before us fought fiercely for the rights we enjoy today. Let us take a moment of silence for their sacrifices.

Erick Cabusao

Local 18007- Union Steward