Frank T. Libby, president and executive secretary/treasurer of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters and John Gates Jr., chairman of the interim board of the McCormick Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), joined Alan Krashesky, host of ABC7's NewsViews segment, to discuss McCormick Place.
The unions operating at McCormick Place and Navy Pier have made a number of significant changes to their contracts over the last 15 years to ensure that conventions and trade shows continued coming back to Chicago. However, it has become painfully obvious that there needs to be a greater transparency, starting with exhibitors having the ability to request an independent audit of all charges incurred, not just labor costs. These audits would clarify what costs or savings are, in fact, passed along to the customer. Labor also supports giving exhibitors a clear bill of rights that explains the policies and procedures established so they can address any concerns they may have.
From show managers, the tourism bureau and contractors, to MPEA and the exhibitors, the quality of labor here in Chicago has been praised as the best in the industry. If Chicago loses out on trade show business, it's not just union members that will feel the negative impact. The revenue lost will have an effect on all levels of government—from the city to the county and state, in addition to the peripheral financial consequences to be faced by hotels, restaurants and the retail/service industry. Many of the companies that manage the trade shows in Chicago operate nationwide, so they lose nothing if the show moves to Orlando or Las Vegas.
If Chicago is to remain the "City that Works," it will take everyone—MPEA, show managers, contractors, vendors, suppliers, exhibitors and the unions—working together to find the solution.
Carpenters President Frank Libby Discusses McCormick Place on ABC7's NewsViews
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