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Trade shows recommit to McCormick Place after labor agreement

Trade shows and conventions are booking Chicago’s McCormick Place after a labor agreement with the city was reached last week. The new agreement allows McCormick exhibitors to unload vehicles and set up booths, rather than have union workers do it for them.

“The agreements today by the Hotel Industry and other trade associations shows they made the right choice for their members because there’ll be more work, more jobs, more opportunity and more economic growth,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Solar Power International has signed on to its first Chicago show in 2013 after putting it on hold when disputes arose over McCormick’s labor rules. The environmental convention has also signed on for 2015.

The mayor says three other conventions have recommitted to 2013 dates - including a design expo that moved to Las Vegas in 2008.

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