US – The Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) has voiced its opposition to proposed sweeping changes in the labour environment at Chicago’s McCormick Place, calling for input from the trade show industry before any reforms are put in place.
ESCA said it remained opposed to any changes that would amount to a labour exclusive. The association urged the Illinois General Assembly to delay any legislative moves until a detailed study of the labour situation at McCormick Place is carried out. “ESCA encourages a thorough review of all options, in a public and transparent way, with input from stakeholders and the exhibition industry,” the statement said.
The 19 January statement came in response to a proposal from the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) that would consolidate the convention center unions into three units and make their workers employees of the MPEA.
ESCA said labour exclusives and “inflexible” politically mandated changes were not the answer. “If Chicago truly desires to improve its offerings to the exhibition industry and remain a destination of choice it should slow down, listen to its clients, and make changes that embrace a competitive open market rather than eliminating it,” the statement said.
In an interview with our US partner Trade Show Executive, Chuck Grouzard, senior VP of national sales for GES Exposition Services and ESCA president-elect, said, “Speaking on behalf of ESCA, MPEA’s action is clearly an opportunity to address the cost issues voiced by show managers and the industry.
"I have three concerns. The first is: 'has there been a collaborative discussion between all parties to find a long-term solution? Secondly, whatever program the MPEA establishes, will it be in the best interest of all parties - the show managers, exhibitors, service contractors and unions? Finally, MPEA can roll out a new plan, but who is going to manage it?'" Grouzard says that it is ultimately in the best interest of all stakeholders to address the issues head-on as a group.
