Walmart and the Chicago Federation of Labor this morning announced an agreement that will likely allow Walmart to build a controversial store in the Pullman neighborhood.
Heavy opposition from organized labor and its supporters on the City Council's Zoning Committee had previously stalled the store.
But the retailer and the CFL were able to come to terms on wages, which will rise to more than $9 an hour for second-year store workers. Read more...
The chairman of the City Council Zoning Committee says Wal-Mart's proposal for a new South Side store is still likely to face a vote in his committee.
That's despite rumors of parliamentary hijinks that could send the project to the full City Council without a Zoning Committee vote.
The zoning chairman, Alderman Danny Solis, says he delayed today's scheduled vote on the project after requests from Wal-Mart representatives and Alderman Anthony Beale, whose ward would be home to the new store. Read more...
Here's a question for you: Why has Target received a much kinder reception in Chicago than Wal-Mart?
According to some labor types, they're pretty much identical in the way they treat workers.
But Target's been able to open stores all over Chicago without the kind of high-profile opposition and voluminous debate that has accompanied the planned Wal-Mart stores in Chatham and Pullman Park. Read more...
"Pat Quinn needs to stand up for jobs instead of standing in the way of reform for McCormick Place," says Brady.
The South Side convention center has been losing big convention clients at a rapid clip this year. A bill calling for widespread changes in the way the facility is managed awaits Quinn's signature. Read more...
Update: Bill Brady campaign spokesman John Hoffman says "the Brady businesses have no financial interest connected with Wal-Mart."
Original post: Republican candidate for governor Bill Brady this morning called on Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn to support a proposed Wal-Mart in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago, calling the area a "food desert" that desperately needs new jobs.
"Whose side is the governor on?" Brady asked in a statement. "Instead of trying to raise our taxes, he should be standing up for raised opportunity. ... One of the most effective anti-violence programs is jobs." Read more...
