Turns out to members of Local 150 were allegedly harassed by Buona Beef partners Joseph and Jim Buonavolanto according to union President James Sweeney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyU44wCXTq4
via Local 150:
Joseph J. Buonavolanto was charged with one count of battery after striking the hand of a protester who filmed Jim Buonavolanto as he knocked down the protesters’ banners and disposed of their property. Jim Buonavolanto was charged with two counts of battery for spraying protesters with a garden hose as they stood on the sidewalk in front of the property.
Two videos of the encounter also show the Buonavolantos threatening harm to the protestors before police arrived. Both Joseph and Jim were released on $1,000 bail. An initial hearing on the charges will be held on September 20th in Maywood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySfnqjHhJwo
The protesters were members of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, and were informing the public of Buona’s use of low-wage workers on the construction of its new locations throughout Chicagoland. The protestors were located on public property and were engaged in protected free speech activities, including distributing leaflets and displaying a banner with information about Buona’s contracting activity.
“This aggressive behavior is unacceptable,” said James M. Sweeney, president-business manager of IUOE Local 150. “These protesters were exercising their free speech rights in an entirely peaceful manner, and local law enforcement immediately recognized the serious nature of the offenders’ attacks and threats and responded appropriately.”
