Cook County Commissioner Aguilar expresses strong support for “workers’ rights” at rally Thursday

Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar joined May Day Celebrations, May 1, 2025, and spoke at the rally in support of workers’ rights and immigration

On Thursday, May 1st, Commissioner Aguilar attended the May Day celebrations in Chicago. Commissioner Aguilar spoke to attendees about the importance of supporting labor unions, workers’ rights, and immigration.

Here are his remarks:

“My political awakening came through union organizing. As the son of immigrants I was well aware of the systems in place to pit marginalized groups against one another to protect the interests of those in power. It was there, when I worked as an undercover organizer, that I saw the potential and impact that solidarity among workers, all workers, can have on people’s lives.

“The people are the power, and when we come together, united, we can accomplish so much. We come together today, and every day, to fight for a world where everyone has housing, healthcare, fair wages, union protection, and dignity.

Cook County Commissioner Aguilar expresses strong support for "workers' rights" at rally ThursdayCommissioner Frank J. Aguilar joined May Day Celebrations, May 1, 2025, and spoke at the rally in support of workers' rights and immigration — Cook County Commissioner Aguilar expresses strong support for “workers’ rights” at rally Thursday
Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar joined May Day Celebrations, May 1, 2025, and spoke at the rally in support of workers’ rights and immigration

“Workers move this country, state, county, and city forward. In Cook County, we have the strongest multicultural working class in the country.

“Our backgrounds vary, but our goals remain the same. We protect our brothers and sisters in labor, regardless of their status. We fight for everyone, because a rising tide raises all ships.

“We must never shy away from the fight. We must not give in to the lies and cruelty spread by some to cause divides among workers. Whether you are a third-generation pipefitter or a newly arrived immigrant looking to support their family, we all want the same things.

“For all immigrants, I want to be clear. We see you, we will fight for your rights and protections, and we will never forget you. For everyone who is here, you are the engine that powers our communities, our economy, and our culture. Our commitment to you is steadfast and will never go away.

“Through solidarity and unity, by never backing down from a fight, we can and will continue to send a message to the entire country that workers, all workers, immigrants, native born, young, and old, are protected, and have a job they can be proud of. The attacks will keep coming, but today we recommit to never failing to meet the moment.”

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Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

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