(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Workers at a Portillo’s in suburban Aurora voted to unionize on Tuesday. They were the second of the food chain’s more than 70 locations to do so.
In a press release from Arise Chicago, which has helped Portillo’s workers in Addison and Aurora unionize over the past few years, officials said workers at both locations “look forward to making progress in their first contract.”
The Portillo’s employees will join Iron Workers Union Local 853. Tuesday’s vote came after six months of organizing, and Arise Chicago officials accused Portillo’s management of holding anti-union meetings with workers during that time.
“Despite the company’s intimidation, the workers stayed united to raise their collective voice,” said Arise Chicago organizer Moises Zavala. “Their yes vote represents their desire for a better standard of living for themselves and their families.”
In a statement provided to WBBM Newsradio, company officials said they appreciated “everyone’s participation in this process” and committed to working through the next steps of the process.
“We are committed to a safe and welcoming workplace, and we are proud of the competitive pay, career growth, development opportunities, and outstanding benefits — including health insurance, paid time off, a wellness program, employee stock purchase plan, meal perks and reward and recognition programs — that we provide for all team members,” the statement read.
After workers in Addison unionized in 2023, officials with Arise Chicago said they won $1 – $2 hourly wage increases.
Fabian Anzures, a crew chief who has worked at Portillo’s for 23 years, said he feels like the only way workers in Aurora can win a “good paying job with great benefits” is by securing their contract.
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