Labor groups join aldermen in critique of casino plans over lack of living wage guarantees
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None of the casino applicants has agreed to negotiate with unions, labor leaders say. Robert Reiter Jr., president of Chicago Federation of Labor, wants aldermen to approve any proposal until a labor agreement for operations is in place. Unite Here Local 1, the Chicago union representing hospitality workers, and its president, Karen Kent, also want a unionized labor force. Bally's has engaged with the CFL and is working toward an agreement. The three active proposals have had community hearings and each has drawn heavy criticism from neighbors. A parade of alders wants to reach a so-called "labor peace agreement" they hope will result in higher casino wages.
Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th) is the only alderperson who is willing to support a Chicago casino. Property taxes are the primary source of revenue that has funded pension contributions. The special casino committee is expected to recommend a specific site in 2-3 months. It's about $1.4 billion out of the $2.3 billion pension contribution that the city pays every year.
