Local union leaders to discuss importance of labor movements April 24

On Tuesday, April 24, Elgin Community College will host "Exploring Labor Movements," a look at the history and contemporary role of labor movements in the U.S. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the college's Spartan Auditorium located in Building G of 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

The event will be presented by local union members who will be sharing the historical context and modern day relevancy of labor unions including Jessica Cook, director of the DePaul Labor Education Center; Kim Tarver of the Elgin Community College Faculty Association; Jamie Pang of the Support Staff of Elgin Community College Association; Richard Johnson, president of the Elgin Area School District U46's Elgin Teachers Association; and Brian McSherry, organizer of Sheet Metal Workers' International Association, Local Union 265.

The idea for the event originated from cross-curricular dialogue between ECC Associate Professor of Education Parul Raval, Ed.D., and Assistant Professor of History and Political Science Antonio Ramirez.

"This discussion between union members from ECC and the region, led by Dr. Jessica Cook of the DePaul Labor Education Center, will help students and the ECC community explore the historic and contemporary importance of labor movements in the U.S.," said Ramirez. "We've recently seen an increase in press coverage of labor union organization and activity, including strikes; it's time for us to better understand the power of labor movements in the 21st century."

The event is sponsored by the ECC Humanities Center, Department of Education and Department of Political Science.

Members of the community who are interested in learning more are highly encouraged to attend. For additional information about the event, please contact Antonio Ramirez, assistant professor of history and political science, at (847) 214-7073 or AnRamirez@elgin.edu.