Episode 39: Solidarity in Labor - Voices from Rochelle, Illinois

We took a trip to the small town of Rochelle, Illinois, to interview some workers who showed exceptional bravery and solidarity. (See links to photos, a video, and more below!) They went on strike to win what they deserve, and in retaliation, the employer threatened them with ICE raids and tried to divide them. It only made them stronger and they ended up winning even more. In this episode, you'll hear the workers and organizers talk about their experiences on their construction site. There are details about some of the companies involved below. Pictures from the jobsite (this is the structure they had to climb): https://imgur.com/a/JX4R1mK Video of a worker climbing it: https://twitter.com/abbyangriest/status/1007658399247601664 We mention Arise Chicago, an organization that helped these workers, along with the International Ironworkers Union. Check them out: http://arisechicago.org/ http://www.ironworkers.org/ Announcement about the launch of this construction site: http://ir.americold.com/investor-relations/press-releases/press-release-details/2017/Americold-Breaks-Ground-on-Next-Automated-Facility-at-its-Rochelle-IL-Campus/default.aspx One of the contractors employing these workers is Smart Mechatronics Core (SMC), and there is another contractor also called SMC connected to the job site and these employees.