CHICAGO — A popular Chicago TikTok creator who was among dozens of ComEd employees impacted during a recent round of company layoffs is speaking out after he says he was promised security in a non-union role, only to be terminated months later.
“Right now, I’m feeling very sad,” said Chicago native and urban historian Shermann ‘Dilla’ Thomas , who promotes community while delivering city history lessons to his more than 115,000 followers.
“I don’t have any ill will towards ComEd. I just hope in the future that they serve our community better.”
Thomas joined the company in 2011, climbing the ranks from meter reader to area operator. A union protected his position. But according to Thomas, once his social media presence grew online, so did the attention of higher ups at the company.
“They asked me if I would wear ComEd-branded stuff when I make my videos and I didn’t see a problem with that,” Thomas said. “I wanted to lift the company up.”
Thomas added that ComEd president and CEO Gil C. Quiniones would personally reach out.