A group of 10 labor unions are expected to sign a peace agreement with Democratic officials on Tuesday that includes a promise not to picket or cause work stoppages ahead of next year’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
The agreement, which comes a year in advance and is the earliest that such an agreement has been reached, signals the party’s plan to primarily use unions to staff the event. The unions include the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, local unions for electrical workers, the Teamsters, and the Service Employees International Union, among others.
TRUMP’S FEUDS WITH GOP GOVERNORS A DISTRACTION FOR HIM IN THE 2024 PRIMARY RACE
“There won’t be any picketing for any of the work for the DNC as long as the agreements are adhered to,” Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter told NBC News.
The labor unions also include hotel workers for the first time ever, a move Reiter applauded. Reiter claimed the majority of hotel employees are people of color or women, which aligns with the Democratic Party’s values.
“Make no mistake about it, Chicago is a union town, and our convention will put that on display for the whole world to see,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement. “This labor agreement will provide good-paying jobs in communities across the city and I’m excited to have President Biden and the entire Democratic Party come see what Chicago union workers can deliver.”
President Joe Biden selected Chicago to host next year’s festivities earlier this year. He chose the city from competitors like Atlanta and New York City. The convention will be hosted from Aug. 19 to 22 and is expected to draw 5,000 to 7,000 delegates and alternates. It is projected to rake in anywhere from $150 million to $200 million for Chicago’s economy.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Biden has touted himself as a “pro-union” president, but he has faced multiple strikes since taking office in 2021. Among those disputes are entertainers in Hollywood, UPS workers who are preparing to strike, and a potential strike from automakers. He also could have faced a rail strike last year had a last-minute agreement not been enforced by Congress.
The Republican National Convention will take place in Milwaukee, Minnesota, from July 15 to 18, 2024.
