Chicago firefighters, paramedic, police protesting during NASCAR Street Race Saturday

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago firefighters, paramedics and police officers are planning to stage a protest during the NASCAR event later this morning.

The protest was initially just firefighters and paramedics planning to draw attention to their contract demands for more ambulances and more paramedics.

They’ve said the current numbers can’t handle all the runs.  Also, no pay increase for three years.

Then police, with a number of grievances of their own, decided to join in.

“Why are we protesting this mayor in city hall? Well, incompetence or anti-union, either way, the results are the same. It's bad for labor,” Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara said in a video message.

The firefighter and police unions are taking advantage of the national spotlight that NASCAR brings. They’re also planning more of the same for the Democratic National Convention.

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