McCormick Place Work-Rule Changes Signed Into Law

Shared Sacrifice Key to Equality for Labor Unions, Contractors

New labor-rule changes at McCormick Place take effect this month after Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation to cut exhibitor costs and make Chicago’s convention center more competitive with national rivals.

The new law mirrors labor agreements reached in late October.

“The union fully recognizes how important the convention business is to Illinois’ economy,” said John T. Coli, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25. “Finally, all of the stakeholders came together to find a solution that will help to once again make Chicago the country’s top convention city.”

Teamsters Local 727 successfully challenged legislative measures last year that imposed work-rule changes on the union’s collective bargaining agreement. A federal judge ruled in the Teamsters’ favor and threw out that legislation. With Coli’s lead, the Teamsters called for equal sacrifice from McCormick Place contractors and labor unions to achieve fair, meaningful change.

“Over the last few months, we brought everyone to the table, including our labor partners, to deliver the reforms needed to keep bringing more shows and jobs to our state,” Quinn said.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who worked with Local 727 and Gov. Quinn to draft improved changes, called the new rules “crucial to the economic viability and long-term success of McCormick Place.”

“When our members are working, everyone is happy,” added Coli, who has served as Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727 since 1992.

Teamsters Local 727, an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, represents hundreds of dockworkers, security and receiving, traffic and parking workers at McCormick Place.

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