Without reaching an agreement with Teamsters Local 727, SMG laid off its security, fire and safety officers that the Teamsters represent at McCormick Place, the international trade show venue in Chicago.

Additionally, SMG has not called its former part-time workers at Navy Pier — who were let go as a result of Allied Universal’s takeover — to replace the part-time officers SMG laid off at McCormick Place. These are the Local 727 members from Navy Pier that should be reporting to McCormick Place because they retain more seniority. They are one bargaining unit.

SMG’s action has resulted in McCormick Place potentially having an understaffed security workforce during a busy June trade show schedule.

“Following the recent devastating terrorist attacks in Manchester and London, our members and other employees at McCormick Place have reported that the Chicago Police Department has elevated its alert level there,” said John Coli, Jr., President of Local 727. “Clearly, this is not the time for SMG to reduce its security personnel and put the trade show public at greater risk. We will do everything we can to fight for our members and get SMG to honor the collective bargaining agreement.”

Local 727 and SMG have a five-year contract covering 139 security, fire and safety officers at McCormick Place that took effect July 1, 2016 and does not expire until June 30, 2021.

Teamsters Local 727 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and northwest Indiana.