Nov. 25--About two dozen people sang "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round" as they waited for about 30 minutes to press their concerns about hiring biases and other matters with the chief executive of Ferrara Candy at its headquarters in Oakbrook Terrace.
But that's exactly what happened.
Jeanette Torres, Ferrara's human resources manager, told the protesters CEO Todd Siwak wasn't available and, even if he were available, the company doesn't generally see walk-ins.
Four Oakbrook Terrace police officers arrived as protesters spoke with Torres. Protesters then left a letter with Torres, who said someone would get back to them. They are demanding equality in hiring, no favoritism or racism in discipline and firing, equal opportunities for promotion, and regular schedules.
Charles Perry, director of community organizing for Westside Health Authority, which helps connect workers with jobs, said he will wait four weeks to hear back from the company. If he doesn't, he said there will be another peaceful demonstration.
Perry, workers and community leaders claim employment discrimination against African-Americans by Ferrara and the temporary-employment agencies it contracts to supply workers at the company's Forest Park factory, which makes Lemonheads, Red Hots and Jaw Busters.
Last month, they handed a letter to the plant manager outlining their demands. The plant manager promised to deliver the letter to Ferrara's CEO, but protesters say he has yet to address their demands.
Last year, African-American workers sued the company and two staffing agencies alleging the agencies complied with a "discriminatory request" from Ferrara to "steer African-American laborers away." The suit alleges that unlike Latinos, the workers were blocked from attending an orientation necessary to work at the plant.
Ferrara has said it has a policy of treating its employees and prospective employees with fairness, equality and respect.
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