Chicago Federation of Labor presents “Living Wage Warrior” awards to aldermen; Madigan, White, Jones, and others address thousands at rally 

Chicago--Thousands of union members and their families gathered at Navy Pier on Labor Day to celebrate the achievements of organized labor throughout history and pay special tribute to the Chicago aldermen who voted to pass the Big Box Living Wage Ordinance earlier this summer. 

On Labor Day, the U.S. celebrates the achievements of the labor movement responsible for a number of the conditions workers enjoy today, including the eight-hour work day, the forty-hour work week, health care benefits, and pensions. 

Close to half of the 35 aldermen who supported the living wage ordinance attended the rally hosted by the Chicago Federation of Labor where they were presented with “Living Wage Warrior” awards to recognize their actions. 

“These 35 men and women took a bold step on behalf of working families in Chicago,” said Chicago Federation of Labor President Dennis Gannon.  “The Big Box Living Wage Ordinance is about equality and raising the standards of living in our communities.  We commend them on Labor Day for taking a stand on this issue that will have a positive impact on the lives of hardworking men and women.” 

The Big Box Living Wage Ordinance will require stores like Home Depot, Target and Wal-Mart to pay a living wage of $10 an hour and provide $3 an hour in benefits like health insurance by 2010. 

According to a recent poll, 71% of Chicagoans support paying a living wage and benefits to employees of retail stores over 90,000 square feet and with $1 billion in revenue.  The Chicago Federation of Labor has worked closely with a large coalition of community, religious, and labor organizations to support the ordinance. 

Also addressing the crowd were Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Secretary of State Jesse White, Comptroller Dan Hynes, Senate President Emil Jones, Alderman Todd Stroger, candidate for Cook County Board President and Tom Dart, candidate for Cook County Sheriff.  Both Dart and Ald. Stroger are endorsed by the Chicago Federation of Labor.  The Illinois AFL-CIO makes endorsements for statewide and legislative offices and has endorsed Madigan, White, Hynes, and Jones.  A number of other labor-endorsed candidates were also in attendance.