ROSEMONT, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Production workers for Portillo’s restaurants held a union rally Saturday afternoon, pushing for recognition by the company.
With chants of "Si se puede" or "Yes, we can" in Spanish, workers from two Portillo's production facilities rallied and marched at a company restaurant in Rosemont.
Workers at a Portillo's facility and Addison unionized last year and they have yet to negotiate a contract. Workers at another facility in Aurora are organizing now.
"It's been a year since the workers voted for the union and this multi billion dollar company doesn't want to recognize the union," said Jorge Mujica, Arise Chicago Strategic Campaigns Organizer.
Maria Gomez works at the Aurora facility. "I'm demanding that you recognize our union and sit on the table and negotiate with us," she said. "We can do it." She also said she feels like she doesn't have a voice at her workplace.
Another worker Marco Andrade speaking through a translator said he has been employed by the company for 24 years and has had the same benefits and vacation days since he started.
"I feel like like my effort and my work-my job is not recognized by the company."
The workers are fighting for better pay benefits and working conditions.
Portillo's said in a statement that it's seeking a new vote on unionization and there were attempts to bribe workers with promises of "a path to citizenship" in exchange for "yes" votes.
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