Two competing unions that work at McCormick Place and Navy Pier trade shows and events have come to an agreement that will spell out who does what tasks at the venues.
The deal between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 134, and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 2, known as stagehands, was reached with assistance from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Pat Quinn, according to an announcement put out this morning.
Stagehands, whose hourly rates generally are lower than electricians, will be allowed to do work previously carried out by electricians. They will be permitted to install, operate, and remove the audio/visual, sound and lighting equipment in certain areas used for presentations and performances, and to plug in the equipment to permanent outlets or temporary electrical services provided by electricians. This would also include lighting and sound equipment which is suspended from the ceilings of the facilities.
Electricians will continue to complete the work they have historically done in exhibit booths and other areas not used for presentations or performances.
The pact is expected to cut costs for trade show and conventions, and to end a contentious jurisdictional argument between the unions at Navy Pier. As well, it is expected to make it easier for McCormick Place to compete more aggressively for corporate and association convention business.
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The agreement “will help union employees get work and will increase the number of trade shows and conventions we attract,” Emanuel said in a written statement.
Quinn said the agreement ” is “another important step towards making McCormick Place the nation’s premier convention venue.”
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