June 3, 2010
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re: Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters v. James Reilly, et al.
Carpenters Union Files Federal Suit Against Illinois over McPier Bill
A complaint was filed today in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on behalf of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters (hereafter the Carpenters), which challenges Public Act 898.
The Carpenters are acutely aware of the importance of this issue to the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago and to its members who support their families through their work at McCormick Place and Navy Pier. The Carpenters union has historically made many significant compromises over the years to support the tradeshow industry and to make city and state venues competitive with not only Las Vegas and Orlando, but also those second-tier facilities that have been referenced during the legislative hearings.
Over the last six months, representatives of each of the trade unions working at Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (nicknamed "McPier") facilities met with House Speaker Madigan, Senate President Cullerton and more recently with Governor Quinn to both educate these lawmakers about the tradeshow industry and to dispel the myths over McPier workers and exhibitor costs. Representatives of the Carpenters union approached these meetings in the spirit of willingness to compromise in the interest of both the Chicago tradeshow industry and its members. Unfortunately, its efforts proved futile, as the current legislation will have a devastating effect upon the Carpenters who have earned their living working at McCormick Place and Navy Pier for many years. This lawsuit is not about the union or some political agenda; it is about the men and women working in this industry and their federally protected rights to negotiate the terms and conditions of their employment without governmental interference. This lawsuit will give voice to those workers who have stood by patiently during the legislative hearings, general assembly debates and government press conferences.
The Carpenters union has made every conceivable effort to avoid bringing this action against the state of Illinois. Unfortunately, without the support of the General Assembly and the governor, the Carpenters are left with no alternative. The Carpenters union asks that you continue to provide your audience with fair, objective and honest reporting as it proceeds with this process.
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The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters represents more than 47,000 men and women working throughout 81 counties in Northern Illinois, Southeastern Wisconsin and Eastern Iowa.
