Caterpillar workers represented by Machinists Union No. 851 hold an informational picket outside the Caterpillar plant Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 2200 Channahon Rd. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Rick Thomas (left) and Bob Banks (right), Caterpillar workers represented by Machinists Union No. 851, gather for an informational picket outside the Caterpillar plant Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 2200 Channahon Rd. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Caterpillar workers represented by Machinists Union No. 851 hold an informational picket outside the Caterpillar plant Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 2200 Channahon Rd. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Caterpillar workers represented by Machinists Union No. 851 hold an informational picket outside the Caterpillar plant Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 2200 Channahon Rd. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Dave Pivonka stands with Caterpillar workers represented by Machinists Union No. 851 during an informational picket outside the Caterpillar plant Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 2200 Channahon Rd. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Caterpillar workers represented by Machinists Union No. 851 hold an informational picket outside the Caterpillar plant Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 2200 Channahon Rd. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Caterpillar workers represented by Machinists Union No. 851 hold an informational picket outside the Caterpillar plant Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 2200 Channahon Rd. in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
JOLIET — Union workers picketed Tuesday afternoon in front of the Caterpillar Inc. plant on Route 6. A seven-year contract between Peoria-based Caterpillar and members of Local 851 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers will expire at midnight Monday. Tuesday’s informational picketing …
