CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Keith Bordes was pruning a tree in his backyard this evening. After being laid off yesterday, the 55-year old union electrician is also looking for ways to prune his personal family budget, a tough assignment with his daughter's wedding just a few weeks away.
"I am deeply concerned, because I hope that the money doesn't run out with the expenses," Bordes tells Fox Chicago News.
One hope harbored by Bordes and the other 2,000 unemployed members of Local 134 of the Intl Brotherhood of Electrical Workers: new jobs at McCormick Place and Navy Pier.
Union leaders joined Gov. Quinn and Mayor Emanuel today as exhibitors announced plans for three trade shows worth tens of millions of dollars. One, Book Expo America, is bringing its 30,000 attendees back to Chicago after a long absence. One big reason: unions agreed to change old work rules regarding who plugs in lights and sound equipment. Union leaders are betting it will generate more jobs.
Tim Fitzgibbons, of IBEW Local said, "It's a little bit of a step back, but it'll be a big step forward. And once we explain everything to our members and the studies that we have evolved, which will be coming out soon, we'll show everybody that we'll be going forward."
The mayor said the new agreement is helping breath new life into Chicago's $8 billion-a-year convention and tourism industry.
"We actually are number two in the country in hotel occupancy increase," the Mayor said. "Number two in hotel room construction, 1,400 rooms, a 100% increase over last year. So it's not just at McCormick Place, it spreads out."
The mayor also mentioned more potential plans in the works, and said the union agreement might help Chicago in its bid to land Microsoft's annual technology show.
Keith Bordes, added "I'm hoping it'll mean a job for a lot of the brotherhood that've been out of work for quite awhile. A lot of people have been having a hard time paying their bills, losing their homes."
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