Over 80% of CWC's members have lost jobs over the last two years. In order to feed their families, many workers have begun to sell food such as tamales, elotes (corn) and fresh cut fruit from pushcarts on the street. In the summer of 2008, the Chicago Police began a crack-down on los Vendadores Ambulantes (street vendors). Low-income vendors were forced to pay fines of as much as $2,500.
The Chicago Street Vendors Association had already formed more than a decade ago, but needed assistance in fighting back the attacks from the Police. Since the CWC had members who had become Vendadores Ambulantes, the CSVA asked the Collaborative to join them in the struggle to obtain a license from the city and respect from the Police.The CWC helps to build the Association's leadership so the Vendors can organize to stop repressive police action and convince the City to adopt an Ordinance that would enable them to obtain a license to legally prepare food.
The CWC and CSVA Shared Commitment:
To organize with Street Vendors to stop the unjust fines so we can have a life with dignity.
