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Labor Overhaul Bill Passed for Chicago Tradeshow Venues |
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2010/5/21 |
Shows coming to Chicago in the future may have a very different experience than they have had in the past.
The much-anticipated Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority-sponsored bill that called for a labor overhaul at Chicago¡¦s McCormick Place and Navy Pier was passed by the Illinois General Assembly.
The bill now will go to Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn for review.
The bill contains the core reforms introduced in January by MPEA officials, Quinn and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley after two high-profile tradeshows opted not to bring their shows back to Chicago in 2012, citing high labor costs.
¡§(This bill) is a substantial breakthrough in a very constructive way,¡¨ said Steven Hacker, president of the Intl. Assn. of Exhibitions and Events. ¡§This is a really good example of what could have been a really bad outcome.¡¨
In fact, he added, if the bill passes it likely could become a new model for other cities grappling with labor issues.
MPEA Interim Board Chairman John Gates urged a quick signing of the bill by the governor to avoid the defection of more shows, according to MPEA officials.
¡§This is a victory for our customers, our economy and the working people of Illinois,¡¨ Gates said. ¡§I urge Governor Quinn to sign this bill into law quickly. Every day we delay will cost Illinois jobs.¡¨ He added, ¡§When he does, it will be a new day in Chicago, and we will have market offerings that no one will be able to top.¡¨
John Patronski, Global Experience Specialists¡¦ executive vice president of industry development, commended the legislature for passing the bill. ¡§The bottom line is: this is a win for everyone,¡¨ he added. ¡§We hope that Gov. Quinn will quickly sign the bill into law so that the provisions in the bill can be implemented promptly, providing an immediate impact for the shows currently in Chicago. As important, this bill will position Chicago to regain its rightful preeminence in the convention industry, protecting jobs, commerce and city and state revenue.¡¨
The legislation calls for several changes at McCormick and Navy Pier:
- New labor rules that reduce work sizes, require less overtime pay and eliminate hassles for customers:
- Expanding exhibitor rights, allowing customers to do their own work, regardless of booth size.
- Allowing shows to select outside electrical and food service contractors.
- Auditing contracts to ensure outside savings are passed on to customers.
- The appointment of former MPEA CEO Jim Reilly as a trustee to oversee operations during an 18 month transition period.
- Restructuring debt to allow MPEA to further lower costs to customers and give MPEA financial stability.
¡§This was always about protecting jobs and preserving an industry that provides $8 billion in economic impact for our state,¡¨ said Juan Ochoa, MPEA¡¦s CEO, who announced his resignation May 4. ¡§When I became the CEO of MPEA more than three years ago, we called attention to the looming crisis for the convention and tradeshow business in Chicago.¡¨ |
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Contacts |
Contact : Rachel Wimberly
Company : TSNN
Country : United States
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