Oak Park Village workers plan two-day picket

Oak Park Village workers plan two-day picket

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Some Oak Park Village workers say they will protest Saturday over fair wages and sick time. It marks the last day the Village Hall will be open to sell vehicle city stickers before a July 16 deadline.

But 75 Village employees, represented by Service Employees International Union Local 73, are walking off the job. Union spokesman Adam Rosen said the strike comes after seven months of continued negotiations. Rosen said Oak Park Village management gave itself a two percent wage increase, while only offering village employees who make considerably less money a one percent wage increase. Rosen said the protest is about getting employees their fair share.

“Hopefully this will show village management that these employees are quite valuable and they know what they’re doing and they’re good at what they do,” he said.

“We don’t think the community will see a difference especially this particular Saturday because … it really doesn’t tend to be a big day,” village management spokesman, David Powers said.

Powers said Oak Park Village still wants to negotiate with the union, but business will continue as usual. He noted that customers can buy vehicle stickers online through next week.

Rosen said union workers will also strike on Monday.