In a powerful show of solidarity and resolve, hundreds of Teamsters gathered in downtown Chicago on May 20 to march alongside General President Sean M. O’Brien, General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman, and Local 700 President Ramon Williams to demand Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke honor her campaign promise to support the right of assistant state’s attorneys to organize under the banner of the Teamsters union.

The march, which filled the streets outside the Cook County government building with chants, signs, and the trademark Teamsters Joint Council semi truck, was a culmination of growing frustration among workers and union organizers. In 2023, during her campaign for State’s Attorney, Burke publicly pledged to uphold the rights of over 750 assistant state’s attorneys to collectively bargain and join a union. However, since taking office in 2024, her stance has shifted sharply. Instead of supporting her staff’s push for fair representation, she has resisted the organizing efforts—prompting this large-scale action.

“Unfortunately there’s a pandemic in politics these days, and there’s no better example than right here – it’s called lie-abetes,” O’Brien said during the rally. “[Burke made an empty promise, she backed up, and now we’re going to fight and make her an example – not just in Chicago, but nationwide. If you’re a politician, and you don’t support working people, we’re going to fund campaigns to put you out of office.”

“When she wanted our votes, she wrote that she supports unions. Now that she’s in office, she’s broken her word,” said Williams. “Well here’s something you can’t break, no matter the political winds: a union contract!”

The demonstration included many current and former public employees joining in solidarity. Signs reading “State’s Attorney Burke, Keep Your Promise” and “Teamsters Fight, Teamsters Win” were held high as the marchers filled the plaza outside Burke’s office. Speakers emphasized the broader implications of the issue—not just for the assistant state’s attorneys, but for public sector employees across the country who often face similar resistance when asserting their rights to organize.

After delivering their message and rallying outside the office, General President O’Brien, President Williams, and a small delegation also marched to Burke's office to demand recognition, but were refused a meeting. Participants then returned to the Teamsters’ Organizing Boot Camp Conference, a multi-day training event dedicated to building stronger union networks across industries. There, they engaged in workshops focused on practical organizing strategies, legal education, and mobilization techniques designed to increase union density in both the private and public sectors.

“We say: no more broken promises. No more excuses. These prosecutors deserve the same dignity and rights already granted to their colleagues,” said Williams. “Stand with us in solidarity. Stand with the workers who keep us safe. And stand on the side of justice!”

As the Teamsters left the rally site, their message to Burke was clear: promises matter, and the fight for workers’ rights will not be silenced.