Goose Island workers tried to unionize before the COVID-19 pandemic. The company pushed back — and then laid off leaders of the effort.

Former employees and union organizers Maddie Mathie, from left, Grace Vasquez and Sarah Hurd hold “I support Goose Island workers” buttons outside Goose Island’s Fulton Street brewery. Union organizers made 1,000 buttons for supporters that were never used after the effort fizzled out. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)