GES, Chicago Warehouse Carpenters Reach New Labor Agreement
June 24, 2013
A new, 5-year labor agreement was reached between Global Experience Specialists and the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1027, who work in the warehouse on exhibits and other projects.
Contract renewal negotiations originally had halted June 3 because of the union’s request for a 17-percent wage increase during a 4-year period and GES’ offer of a 15-percent increase during the same 4-year time period.
Neither side disclosed specifics of the new agreement, but Frank T. Libby, president and executive secretary-treasurer for the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, said agreeing to lengthen the contract to five years was an important element for his group.
“There was a compromise,” he added. “They went back to the table and were able to work it out.”
The new agreement replaces the one that expired May 31. GES officials said they believe the this one provides a more acceptable wage and benefit package, as compared to the union’s prior proposal.
After talks lapsed June 3, GES officials said they resumed negotiating when union leadership contacted GES.
“We are pleased to reach a more reasonable agreement that allows us to move forward,” said GES President Steve Moster.
He added, “GES took a stand for our clients, for our employees and for the industry. We have undertaken several initiatives to address the rising costs of trade shows. This most recent action was an effort to improve labor management, which includes negotiating fair and equitable collective bargaining agreements with our union partners. When excessive increases are demanded during the collective bargaining process, it has a direct and immediate impact on the cost of trade shows.”
Libby had previously said one of his union’s main sticking points was the $5.11 hourly rate savings that GES received, compared with its competition, during the last contract negotiations.
“We are trying to build parity with our contractors,” he added.
Local 1027 are warehouse contractors who do not work onsite at shows. Besides exhibit fabrication, they typically build registration counters, charging stations and other elements for the showfloor.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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