Strikers with Giant Inflatable Rat Refuse to Reveal Grievances

A giant, inflatable rat loomed outside Resurrection Holy Family Medical Center and Hospital this week--though it's unclear why.

Three men, who declined to give their names, carried signs identifying themselves as members of Laborers International Union of North America, Local 118.

They carried signs that read "ACC Demo," "On Strike" and "No Contract," but refused to talk to a reporter.

"We don't talk to lawyers," they said, even as a reporter identified herself.

Des Plaines Patch called the union headquarters Tuesday and a representative said there was no strike currently going and none was scheduled, even though the men were clearly camped at River Road and Nazareth Way near the hospital at 100 N. River Rd.

The representative did say there was a protest against the hospital "awhile back" but that was long over.

Asked again why the strikers were demonstrating now, the union representative responded with, "Lady, stop harassing me!"

Eventually, he said, "You've gotta talk to Marty." The rep then refused to disclose Marty's position in the union, last name or phone number.

Des Plaines Patch called police and city officials in a further attempt to identify the strikers and to inquire about laws and permits. Senior Clerk Vickie Baumann of the Licensing Division Community & Economic Development Department said a permit is not required of unions or union members to strike outside of a facility in Des Plaines.

Des Plaines Patch called union headquarters again Friday and spoke with temp Al Cook, who was manning phone calls, and was told that strikers were indeed outside of Holy Family Medical Center this week. 

Cook said they were striking against a construction company and not Resurrection Health Care. The strikers had worked on a construction project on the site. However, why the strikers were demonstrating outside the hospital--and not outside the construction company's headquarters--remained unclear.

He did identify Marty as Martin Flanagan, business manager of Local 118. No further information was given. Repeated requests to speak with Flanagan have gone unanswered.