Union rally draws 300

PEORIA -- Union members rallied on April 7 to support their fellows involved in difficult bargaining situations, and to promote a Chicago rally on Sunday.

An estimated 300 people gathered at 5 p.m. at the Peoria County Courthouse.  Speakers exhorted the crowd to vote out politicians who attack labor unions and collective bargaining. 

NAACP president Don Jackson said the low voter turnout in the April 5 local elections in Peoria -- at 17 percent -- was appalling. 

A speaker collected signatures on petitions aimed at the Peoria chapter of the American Red Cross, which is refusing to bargain a first contract.  The petition says no more blood donations until negotiations occur.

The crowd chanted, waved signs, and listened to the speakers.

 -- Elaine Hopkins