Leaders and activists from UE Locals 1177 and1110, UE Western Region and Warehouse Workers for Justice (WWJ) protested outside the office of Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) in downtown Chicago on Monday, December 10, demanding that, in the so-called "Fiscal Cliff" negotiations, he oppose any cuts in Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid or other important social safety net programs and instead impose higher tax rates on the rich. They joined protestors organized by Stand Up Chicago, MoveOn.org, and Chicago Jobs with Justice in delivering postcards signed by over 5,000 individuals.

Durbin not only hold one of Illinois' two seats in the Senate; he is also Senate Majority Whip, the second highest position in the Democratic leadership in the Senate and a close ally of President Obama.