SEIU Local 73 Statement on the Death of Karen Lewis

Chicago, IL – SEIU Local 73 President Dian Palmer issued the following statement on the death of former Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis. 

“Karen Lewis was a staunch advocate for working families throughout Chicago and Illinois. Her leadership of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) brought about a profound growth in union activism. Karen used her position and voice to advocate for teachers, students and their families.

“Local 73 could always count on Karen and CTU as allies not just for our members in Chicago Public Schools but for all our members. Karen was a labor leader who truly understood that an injury to one is an injury to all.

“Karen’s strength and resolve were an inspiration to all of us. On behalf of the members of Local 73, I send our thoughts and prayers to Karen’s family.” 

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SEIU Local 73 represents more than 29,000 workers, primarily in public service and publicly funded positions in school districts, municipalities, social service agencies, and many other job classifications in Illinois and Indiana. We are dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families.