A closer look at the uptick in union activity in Chicago – Chicago Tribune

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Starbucks barista Brick Zurek, standing in front of the downtown Starbucks, 155 N. Wabash St., on May 11, 2022, has been organizing with colleagues for union representation with Starbucks Workers United. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

Workers in industries that have traditionally been thought of as difficult to unionize are organizing in greater numbers, in campaigns spearheaded by workers themselves in which professional labor organizers have taken a backseat.

Workers, labor organizers and academics say the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated an existing trajectory set in motion by low wages, income inequality, poor working conditions and a pervasive feeling among workers that they lack a voice on the job. And from hospitals to grocery stores, many workers took note of how their workplaces failed to protect them from the virus.

“I had to risk my life every single day to sell magnets,” said Alexa Reymann, a retail sales associate at the Art Institute’s museum store who returned to work in early 2021 before vaccines were widely available.

The Tribune’s Talia Soglin and María Paula Mijares Torres take a broad look at the union resurgence in Chicago.

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Tammy Wendt is being sued by the Cook County Ethics Board over her refusal to fire her cousin as her lead staff member. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

The feud between Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Tammy Wendt and the Board of Ethics has escalated to the courts after Wendt continued to defy a rule against nepotism by refusing to fire her cousin.

The county’s ethics board filed the lawsuit Tuesday naming Wendt and her first cousin — and top staffer — Todd Thielmann as defendants. The lawsuit demands Thielmann reimburse the county for all the compensation he earned working under Wendt, who most recently gave him a $150,000 salary, according to the public records.

An outbound train on the Metra Milwaukee District West (MD-W) line approaches the Bensenville station, March 23, 2022. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

With Metra ridership still less than half of pre-pandemic levels and gas prices skyrocketing, the commuter rail service will soon test a new, cheaper monthly pass. Metra will sell monthly passes for $100, valid for unlimited travel on the rail system, for use beginning in July.

Metra CEO Jim Derwinski pointed to current high gas prices. According to AAA, the average price for regular gas in the Chicago area Wednesday was $5.41, more than $2 higher than the average price a year ago.

Quarterback Justin Fields works out with backup quarterbacks Trevor Siemian (15) and Nathan Peterman (14) on May 17, 2022 during the Chicago Bears organized team activities at Halas Hall. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

For much of the spring, the internal praise for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has been flowing through Halas Hall, the Tribune’s Dan Wiederer says. All of this offseason acclaim is invigorating for the most optimistic Bears fans and the most devout Fields backers, who have visions of a bright star soon appearing in a Chicago sky that often has been pitch black the last 30 years.

And for the skeptics? Well, let’s just say it’s going to take more than a few flashes during organized team activities and a steady drip of predictable praise from coaches and teammates to create confidence that this floundering franchise has finally cured its decades-long quarterback problem.

A folk art Abraham Lincoln given by Samantha Thompson to her father, the late Gov. James R. Thompson Jr., that is for sale in an estate sale that includes several items collected him, June 1, 2022. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

Looking to own a piece Cuban folk art or an antique cast-iron monkey bank? Missing the perfect vintage rug to accent your home’s classic style? Or do you simply relish the idea of perusing the many antiques and oddities collected by one of Illinois’ most notable politicians?

Any of those desires could be met this weekend when scores of items amassed by the late Gov. James R. Thompson Jr. will be available for purchase at an estate sale in Winnetka.

A person walks past a bullet hole in a parking garage window at the scene of a shooting near the 800 block of North Sedgwick Street on May 19, 2022 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

From the city to the suburbs and beyond, Chicago Tribune photojournalists document what is happening in our neighborhoods, tell the stories of those who live and work in our communities and show the impact that the arts, politics and sports have throughout northern Illinois.

In this installment, you’ll find coverage of downtown violence which has led to policy changes in the city, the Cubs and White Sox back in full swing, photos from a busy Memorial Day weekend and many moments that tell the story of the lives of people who live in the Chicagoland area.

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