Illinois IATSE Locals Endorse Giannoulias for Illinois Secretary of State
Illinois International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Locals voted this week to endorse former State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias for Illinois Secretary of State.
The endorsement marks the latest show of support from organized labor for Giannoulias’ bid for the statewide office in 2022. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 881 and 1546 announced their support for Giannoulias last month.
Illinois IATSE Locals 2, 476, 110, 769, 750, 217, 482, 85, 124, 193, 138, 421, USA 829 and B46, representing more than 10,000 workers, credited Giannoulias’ commitment to fight for worker rights and middle-class ideals, especially during the pandemic, which has devastated the industry and threatened the financial livelihoods of many IATSE workers.
“Alexi will make the concerns of IATSE workers and their families a top priority, including protecting their rights to organize, bargaining for higher wages and benefits and maintaining quality, affordable healthcare,” said Business Manager of Stagehands Local 2 Craig Carlson, who also serves as international IATSE Vice President and Illinois AFL-CIO Vice President. “Alexi has consistently demonstrated that he has the backs of union men and women and will work tirelessly to create economic opportunities on their behalf.”
“More than ever, it’s critical that we stand up for our workers, especially those who have not only been severely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis, but who have also endured repeated attempts to take away their rights and diminish their voices in the workplace,” Giannoulias said. “I will protect the jobs of the working men and women of the entertainment industry, empower their voices and fight to create jobs and opportunity for all Illinoisians.”
