Union members have long been at odds with government in Illinois. They have come out attacking both Democrats and Republicans alike for measures to cut or freeze benefits as the state grapples with its billions of dollars of debt. One historical figurehead in the movement for workers' rights is still highly lauded - Mary Harris Jones, aka Mother Jones.
As you may have noticed during road trips through the southern part of the state, Jones is buried in Mount Olive. The monument on her burial site was just restored, and union members, musicians, and politicians are expected to gather to honor her memory, and talk about union battles that are ongoing. I spoke with Amy Reuff about it, she's with the state chapter of the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the US:
The rededication ceremony is at 10am on Saturday, June 20th at the Union Miners' Cemetery in Mt. Olive. The public is invited to attend.
According to a press release from the AFL-CIO: "The rededication ceremony will include music by folk singers Bucky Halker and Chris Vallillo and a portrayal of Mother Jones performed by Margaret Orner of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania."
