United Worker's Rights Committee

8812 S. Commericial Ave. – Chicago, IL 60617 – (773)731-0109 ext 26

PRESS ADVISORY

For Immediate Release:
November 16, 2007

For More Information Contact:
Arturo Carrillo (773) 640-0164

Southeast Chicago Community for Immigrant Rights

Jay's Workers Fight to Keep Their Jobs

As Jay's Co. transfers ownership, workers and community unite to insure the plant stays open.

WHAT: Press conference to announce the Jay's workers concerns over massive lay-offs or plant closing. The workers have been able to gain support within the community and hope to ensure new ownership keeps jobs in the Southside plant. "We've never been against the company, we've worked there most of our lives, and these are our jobs", Patricia employed over 8 years. "As long as we have a job, our families can get by. If we no longer have work the entire community will be affected", Teresa employed over 9 years.

As Jay's Potato Chip Co. declared bankruptcy in October 11 2007, the company laid-off 26 workers. Those workers began to organize within the community to fight for their jobs. Since then, the Jay's company has been sold and the current employees have been worried they too will be laid off. In the last month, workers organized and have gained support from various organizations throughout Chicago.

WHEN: Sunday November 18, 2007, 11:00 AM

WHERE: Centro Comunitario Juan Diego
8812 S. Commercial Ave.
Chicago IL, 60617

WHO: Raymundo Valdez, SECCIR; Rosa Perea, Centro Comunitario Juan Diego; Decon Raul Núñez, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church; Rey Calderon, Alianza Leadership Institute; Neal Basenco, South Chicago Chamber of Commerence; Martin Unzueta, Chicago Workers Collaborative; Jorge Mujica, 10 de Marzo Committee.

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