August 20, 2008

By Francine Knowles

The Chicago Federation of Labor will launch a $500,000 pro-union worker ad campaign Aug. 25 that will air on radio and television stations through Labor Day.

The goal is to show the public the face of labor by highlighting workers whose efforts contribute greatly to our communities, said a federation representative.

In the past, the federation has held Labor Day parades and rallies.

"We just think it's time to try to get our message out to the public through avenues used by corporate America," said federation President Dennis Gannon.

He labeled the first of its kind campaign "a bold initiative . . . to change how labor gets its message out on Labor Day . . . to make sure people understand that workers are out there day in and day out, whether garbage men or men trimming trees or nurses, and they're union members."

The ads feature teachers, electrical workers, nurses, firefighters and others. One ad notes, "Labor is our safety, our future, the work that lights our nights and replenishes our days. Labor is there when seconds count. Labor is the skilled hands, broad shoulders . . . the 500,000 union workers of the Chicago Federation of Labor who remind us every day is Labor Day."

Some of the spots will run during the Democratic convention, Chicago Cubs and White Sox games, and daytime and news programming on broadcast and cable stations.