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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF TOMASA CASIANO
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom called Tomasa Casiano from our midst on September 14, 2019 at the age of 50; and
WHEREAS, Tomasa Casiano was born in San Simón de Guerrero, Estado de México, México on March 7, 1969 to Roberto Casiano Popoca and Celia Ramírez de Paz; and
WHEREAS, Tomasa Casiano arrived to Chicago in 2001; and
WHEREAS, Tomasa Casiano was a tireless activist and leader who always strived to improve the lives of those around her, and advocate for working-class families; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, Tomasa Casiano approached ARISE Chicago regarding the lack of dignity and respect her and sixty (60) other co-workers experienced in her workplace; and
WHEREAS, in November 2012, ARISE Chicago approached the Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board (CMRJB), Workers United about organizing the group into a bargaining unit, given that CMRJB Workers United has a long history of representing immigrant garment workers dating back to 1910; and
WHEREAS, a petition for a union election was filed with National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and a NLRB election was held; and
WHEREAS, Tomasa Casiano organized her co-workers in the shop and worked tirelessly to make sure they attended the union meetings; and
WHEREAS, Tomasa Casiano never missed a day at the gates, which opened at 3:00 a.m., to hand out leaflets during the union election; and
WHEREAS, Tomasa Casiano was recognized as a true union leader because of her commitment to workplace justice and for union recognition. This ultimately won her the respect of her union brothers and sisters, and the respect of the company; and
WHEREAS, through her dedication and hard work, they won the union election; and
WHEREAS, in 2013, Tomasa Casiano served in the Union’s bargaining committee and was a key leader in their first contract campaign, which lead to a successful Collective Bargaining Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Tomasa Casiano was elected Union Steward and President of Local 1976 in 2014; and
WHEREAS, Tomasa Casiano was elected and served as Executive Board Member to the Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board of Workers United/SEIU; and
WHEREAS, Tomasa Casiano served as delegate to the 2017 Workers United International Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Tomasa Casiano served as part of the bargaining committee for contract renewal contract negotiations with the company she worked for; and
WHEREAS, her love of service and community extended from organizing, she also volunteered in elections and mentored others; and
WHEREAS, Tomasa Casiano is survived by her husband Marcial Ramírez and five siblings: Celia, Urbano, Irma, Estela and Roberto, and her loving nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Tomasa Casiano and her legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come. She leaves not only a family that grieves her but a community that was impacted by her contribution and convictions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby offer its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family, colleagues, and many friends of Tomasa Casiano, and joins them in sorrow at this time of loss; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to the family of Tomasa Casiano so that her memory may be honored and ever cherished
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