U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky arrested while striking for union rights

Source: Jan Schakowsky's Twitter

A police officer arrests U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.). The representative was protesting as part of the ‘Fight for $15’ campaign.

Gabby Birenbaum, Web Editor

U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) was among 54 people arrested at McDonald’s headquarters in downtown Chicago on Thursday afternoon.

Schakowsky was striking as part of the ‘Fight for $15’ campaign, according to a news release. She joined nearly 1,000 striking fast food employees in blocking the McDonald’s headquarters entrance and demanding union rights and a $15 minimum wage.

Schakowsky received a citation for trespassing on private property, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

The protest was one of many taking place across the country and in the United Kingdom on Thursday.

“Some politicians will do whatever it takes to block workers from coming together in a union,” Schakowsky said in the release. “That’s unacceptable, and it’s a big reason why paychecks across the country are flat while corporate profits are fatter than ever. I’m proud to support workers in the Fight for $15 who are striking and protesting all across the country today for union rights.”

The strike comes after ‘Fight for $15’ workers held town halls and roundtables in 17 cities concentrated on workers’ rights to unionize. Following Thursday’s strike, workers will lead canvassing efforts in crucial swing states with contested races in next month’s midterm elections, including Illinois, according to the the release.

Schakowsky, who live-tweeted her participation in the strike and subsequent arrest, pledged her support for unions and workers’ rights.

“Unions are the solution to unrigging the economy and strengthening communities here in Illinois and nationwide,” Schakowsky said in the release.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @birenBOMB