Mark Meinster

Mark Meinster is an Illinois-based labor activist who organizes low-wage factory and warehouse workers in and around Chicago, IL. He is an International Representative for the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, a union known for its focus on international worker solidarity and its commitment to aggressive, militant and member-run trade unionism.
Meinster coordinated the December 2008 sit-down strike at Republic Windows and Doors, the first labor action of its kind in the United States since the 1930's. Republic workers sought severance pay, vacation pay and health benefits after their factory had shut down. The plant occupation led to a negotiated settlement between the union, the employer, and the employer's two largest creditors, Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase.
Meinster led UE's successful efforts over the past five years to organize thousands of immigrants working in Chicago's manufacturing sector and has helped develop new tactics to defend immigrant workers against employer abuse.

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