ICYMI: Chicago’s Union Workers Are Building the 2024 Democratic National Convention

CHICAGO – From the United Center to McCormick Place to delegate hotels, Chicago’s proud union tradition will be on full display at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. In a matter of days, Democrats from across the country will gather in Chicago to celebrate the accomplishments of the most pro-worker administration in history and rally behind the historic Harris-Walz ticket as they carry on that legacy.

The Chicago Federation of Labor is highlighting members of organized labor who are building the convention, including decorators from USW Local 17U and IBEW Local 134 electricians.

USW Local 17U Decorators. Credit: Chicago Federation of Labor

“To be able to set something up for a historic election is pretty powerful…Chicago’s union workers are the best in the nation, hands down,” said Christopher Brown, United Steelworkers Local 17U Decorator.

Carpenters Local 58. Credit: Chicago Federation of Labor

“It really highlights what the unions do in Chicago…I’ve done some big shows before but nothing like this where you have all these different unions working together. It’s been great…I have traveled to a lot of places in the country doing shows. Chicago is by far the best…Nobody does it like Chicago,” said Terry Braun, Teamsters Local 727 Steward.

Both primary convention venues, McCormick Place and the United Center, are powered by members of a combined 30 unions. As a testament to Chicago’s commitment to elevating union labor, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC), Chicago 2024 Host Committee, Chicago Federation of Labor, and 9 local unions signed a Labor Peace Agreement earlier than ever before in convention history, ensuring that union workers play a critical role in planning and building this year’s convention.

In addition to the primary convention venues, all 50 state and territorial delegations will be consolidated in eight, downtown union hotels, and for the first time in convention history, hotel workers were included in the Labor Peace Agreement.

IBEW Local 134 Electricians. Credit: Chicago Federation of Labor

“Being part of the magnitude and odd specialties of this job, to realize everything is temporary and there is all this equipment set up to run an operation like this, it’s almost like working a Super Bowl…It just adds to our skill sets,” said Sung Jeon, IBEW Local 134 electrician.

“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime…It’s a very tough job to do, but we’re trained to do it, and it’s something I’m very proud to be part of,” said Edgar Cruz, IBEW Local 134 electrician.

To ensure the inclusion of organized labor is thoughtful, robust, and reflective of Illinois’ commitment to workers’ rights, the Host Committee formed a Labor Advisory Council, made up of leaders from more than 30 labor unions and workers’ rights organizations.

From electricians to construction workers to service employees and many more, the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago will be union-powered, and celebrate Chicago as the hometown of the American labor movement.