FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2021
Contact: Jake Lewis
312-222-1000
Chicago Federation of Labor Statement on the New State Reopening Guidelines
CHICAGO – Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter released the following statement regarding the announcement of new reopening guidelines by the Pritzker Administration:
“We applaud the Pritzker Administration for taking steps today to continue the safe reopening of our economy as vaccines become more readily accessible and eligibility expands. For more than a year, union workers have sacrificed their health and safety to keep our city, county, state, and nation moving. These workers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. Meanwhile, thousands of workers sacrificed their livelihoods as entire sectors of the economy were shut down, especially in the hospitality and tourism industries. These skilled workers struggled to put food on the table, pay their bills, and keep their healthcare. The pain and hardship endured by so many can never be forgotten, and the debt we owe these heroes may never be repaid.
“Now, thanks to the heroic efforts of so many, we are finally ready to move closer to reopening our economy and returning to normal. Having a pathway toward reopening helps both workers and their employer plan a more defined path forward. To continue on this pathway to reopening, the health and safety of workers remains an absolute priority. To continue the progress toward reopening and to protect worker safety, continue to follow guidance from the Illinois, Cook County, and Chicago Departments of Public Health. That includes wearing a mask and following all capacity and social distancing guidelines. And when it’s your turn, get vaccinated. Let’s stay committed, stay masked up, and move past this pandemic once and for all.”
###
The Chicago Federation of Labor is the third-largest central labor council of the AFL-CIO representing nearly 300 unions and labor organizations comprised of half a million union members in Chicago and Cook County.