“I want to assure you that the mayor of Chicago stands firmly with Teamsters Local 705,” Johnson told the crowd. “The company needs to demonstrate that they know your value. There have to be protections to ensure that ICE agents do not get to run amok, to intimidate our workplaces. By you standing firm today, you are giving hope to neighborhoods across this city.”

Congressman Chuy Garcia, Alderperson Michael Rodriguez, and ARISE Chicago also joined the strike line, along with Teamsters Joint Council 25 and five Teamsters locals.

Over 100 Mauser workers, members of Chicago’s Teamsters Local 705, were forced to strike on June 9 after the company broke the law and refused to bargain in good faith.

The Chicago Tribune and Labor Notes have covered the deplorable working conditions at Mauser, which include exposure to toxic chemicals and fumes, poverty wages, and management intimidation.

Workers are demanding safety protections and better PPE; common-sense measures to prevent ICE from entering the workplace without a judicial warrant; guaranteed break times; and livable wages and affordable healthcare.

Mauser is a multinational packaging company that manufactures drums, cans, bottles, and intermediate bulk containers.

Teamsters Local 705 proudly represents over 17,000 workers across Chicagoland.