Judge Rejects McCormick Place Work Rule Revisions. op-ed

A decision affecting the basic rights of working men and women was handed down in federal court by U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Guzman (“Judge rejects McCormick Place work rule revisions,” Chicago Tribune, March 31, 2011). The decision overturned key components of legislation passed last year by the Illinois General Assembly. This hastily enacted legislation in essence disregarded our fundamental collective bargaining rights on key issues such as wages, overtime, work rules and jurisdiction. While we applaud the decision of Judge Guzman, we don't necessarily celebrate it. Our day of celebration will only come when the finger pointing stops and a real long-term solution to the funding problems at #McCormickPlace is a reality. This has been my goal and it remains my goal moving forward.

I believe that before we can successfully move forward, we first must review where we've been. Over the past 20 years the union labor workforce at McCormick Place has made numerous concessions to help reduce costs to our customers, the convention exhibitors. These work-rule and wage concessions—reached through the #collectivebargaining process—were applauded by the industry at the time of their announcement. Labor has never refused to sit down and talk. While we strive to build and nurture partnerships, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) leadership continues to attack us as “the problem.” We not only strongly disagree, but we believe it’s time to ask the question, What really drives up the costs of doing business at McCormick Place? Are there not other entities that more directly determine the increased cost of services to an exhibitor? What about the show contractors that “mark up” costs—including labor—to exhibitors? Did you know that the carpenters at McCormick Place are only compensated in wage and health benefits for hours actually worked setting up and dismantling shows? Did you know that the contractor charges the exhibitor a 33 percent increase over what the carpenter actually earns for an hour of work?

While the McCormick Place leadership tirelessly tries to blame labor, Judge Guzman in his decision touched on this markup issue by saying that limiting contractors’ markups wasn't even considered by MPEA as a potential cost-saving measure, and that the goal of reducing exhibitors’ costs was “left largely to the contractors’ discretion.” Why did MPEA not consider this as an option? Shouldn’t limiting this seemingly excessive markup be considered? The judge added in his decision that a multitude of other exhibitor cost-savings options, some which involve MPEA finances and operations, weren’t considered, either. If you read Judge Guzman’s decision, it doesn't appear MPEA was seriously looking at anyone else to share in the cost savings. MPEA—with the help of the legislature—only sought to blame and subsequently fund its cost reductions solely on the backs of labor.

So are there problems at McCormick Place? Yes, and costs are among them. The heart of the problem is McCormick Place is at a serious financial disadvantage with our competitors in #LasVegas and #Orlando to name just a few. Those convention facilities receive substantial financial commitments from their respective cities and states. Because of those large financial commitments they are better positioned to ensure lower overall costs to exhibitors. This is the number one problem that needs to be addressed and solved. I do know the answer does not lie with attempts to strip away workers’ rights through legislation. Nor will the answer be found through protracted expensive legal maneuverings, escalating rhetoric or by playing the blame game.

A meaningful dialogue to address the cost issues at McCormick Place is necessary. The cost of failing to do so is too great. Let’s get to work.

(Written by Don Scott while employed as Carpenters' Communications Director)