Workers Continue Strike in Little Village Over Safety and Immigration
In Little Village, Chicago, over 100 workers at the Mauser Packaging Solutions plant remain on strike as they demand improved workplace safety and protections against federal immigration enforcement. The strike, which began in June 2023, has entered its twelfth week as workers continue to picket outside the facility, enduring summer heat and storms. Their actions come amid heightened fears of immigration crackdowns following the policies of former President Donald Trump.
The strikers, most of whom are Latino immigrants, are members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 705. They have not returned to work since walking off the job over allegations of unfair labor practices after their contract expired at the end of April. Their last contract offer from Mauser was unanimously rejected last month.
Workers are advocating for safer working conditions, including better ventilation and adequate uniforms. They report that the harsh chemicals used in their daily tasks irritate their eyes and that they often work in insufficient protective clothing. José Manuel Ruiz, a worker at the plant, described the environment as akin to a “prison,” noting that management closely monitors their every move.
One central issue in the ongoing negotiations is the workers’ request for Mauser to bar U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from entering the premises without a signed judicial warrant. According to Nico Coronado, the chief negotiator for Local 705, the company has not agreed to this crucial demand. While Mauser has proposed alternative language regarding employment verification documents, workers remain unsatisfied.
Arturo Landa, a maintenance mechanic and member of the bargaining committee, emphasized the importance of job security, stating, “We’re the ones who make them money.” The company’s last offer included wage increases of 3.5% in the first year and 3% in the following two years. The union, however, is pushing for raises of 6% in the first year and 4% thereafter.
Despite the lack of progress, both sides have met for negotiations since the union rejected the final offer. Strikes of this duration are rare; data from the Labor Action Tracker indicates that fewer than 10% of strikes in the U.S. last more than a month. The manufacturing sector typically sees longer strikes, but only a third reach this length.
Many workers, including Landa and Ruiz, have lived in Little Village for years, with Landa arriving nearly two decades ago from Veracruz, Mexico. Despite holding legal work permits, Landa noted the pervasive fear among workers due to the current immigration climate. Stories of individuals being detained despite having proper documents contribute to this anxiety.
The strike has garnered support from notable political figures, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, U.S. Representative Jesús “Chuy” García, and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Their backing reflects the broader implications of the strike, which intertwines labor rights with immigration issues.
As the strike continues, the political landscape surrounding labor rights remains complex. The Teamsters union, under President Sean O’Brien, has faced criticism for its shifting political alliances, having previously supported Democratic candidates but now engaging with Republicans. This shift has raised eyebrows among labor advocates, especially given the Teamsters’ historical ties to progressive causes.
Kara Deniz, a spokesperson for the Teamsters international union, asserted that the union remains committed to fighting for the priorities identified by Local 705 members. She emphasized that the union can pursue pathways to citizenship while advocating for workers’ rights in contract negotiations.
As the situation unfolds, the workers at Mauser Packaging Solutions continue to stand firm in their demands. Coronado articulated the stakes involved, stating, “You have an administration in the federal government that’s coming after workers, but also coming after immigrants.” For the striking workers, the battle in Little Village is not just about wages or working conditions; it represents a broader struggle against anti-immigrant and anti-worker policies.
