Chicago’s McCormick Place labor reform bill becomes law

The Illinois labor reform bill that aims to ease rules for exhibitors at Chicago’s McCormick Place, the city’s convention center, was signed into law May 27.

The Illinois General Assembly overrode Gov. Pat Quinn’s veto of the bill without including any of the governor’s requested amendments. The legislation, which Connect originally reported on, is meant to encourage convention business, which the city has seen a decline in recently due to high labor costs. The new labor rules reduce crew sizes and overtime pay; expand exhibitor rights; appoint former Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority CEO Jim Reilly to oversee operations during an 18-month transition period and select a private manager for McCormick Place; and enact other changes to lower costs for customers.

“This is a victory for our customers, our economy and the working people of Illinois,” said John Gates, chairman of the interim MPEA board. “We applaud and very much thank the Legislature for their speed and courage. This was always about protecting jobs and preserving an industry that provides $8 billion in economic impact for our state. Lawmakers have taken decisive action to keep McCormick Place, and Navy Pier, the preeminent facilities in the convention and tourism industries.”