Saturday, July 12- Thousands of members of the American Federation of Teachers gave Resurrection workers a rousing reception when they took the stage at a rally on Saturday.  As AFT leaders pledged their support for the Resurrection employees working to form a union, AFT members roared their approval and chanted "Justice Now at Resurrection."

Threatening weather prompted the AFT to move the rally from Lincoln Park to Navy Pier where the AFT was holding its convention but spirits weren't dampened.  Shirley Brown, a housekeeper at Westlake Hospital, kicked off the rally with a powerful message about Resurrection worker's commitment to fighting for a voice at work and about management's

fierce anti-union campaign.  

Shirley introduced Emma Escobedo, a housekeeper at Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, who was recently fired for her union activity.  As Emma struggled to speak through her tears, AFT members chanted their support and some were also moved to tears.  "Resurrection may have fired me, but they haven't gotten the best of me," she said.   

Newly-elected AFT president Randi Weingarten pledged support.  "We stand with Resurrections' workers, patients and community until this struggle is over," she stated.  

Making good on that promise, a delegation of AFT leaders delivered petitions with over 2,200 signatures to Resurrection leadership on Monday morning.  The petitions called upon Resurrection management to engage in a dialogue with employees to develop a fair process which would allow employees to consider unionization free from fear and intimidation.  

The AFT, representing 1.4 million workers in education, healthcare and government services, is also planning additional follow up actions in support of the Resurrection employees' campaign.  In addition, AFT members donated generously to a fund to support Emma and other employees targeted by Resurrection management.