Wal-Mart Chicago wage dispute latest in Quinn vs. Brady

[June 23, 2010]  CHICAGO -- If Wal-Mart ever builds a store, or dozens of stores, in Chicago, the two men running for Illinois governor will likely try to take their share of the credit.

The prospect of as many as 55 Wal-Mart stores in and around Chicago is already an issue in the race between Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn and Republican state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington.

Quinn said Tuesday that he is happy to see so many jobs potentially coming to Chicago. He tried to downplay the politically sticky issue that many of those jobs will not be union jobs and will pay less than the demanded "living wage."

Quinn instead focused his comments on the need Wal-Mart could fill in providing supermarkets to Chicago-area residents.

"It's a municipal issue for the city of Chicago. ... It puts people to work, gets grocery stores where they need to be located in every neighborhood, and at the same time helps our economy go forward."

Wal-Mart is offering to pay 50 cents more per hour than Illinois' minimum wage in exchange for a chance to build more stores in the Chicago area. But the promise of $8.75 an hour is still 50 cents less than what union leaders want. The nation's largest retailer is apparently ready to agree to union wages for building its stores.

"I've said all along that I believe ... (in getting) a good wage for employees who work in the stores and for those who build the store," said Quinn.

And the governor hopes that point can smooth over any election-year bitterness from labor groups who may be unhappy with a final Wal-Mart deal.

"The person I'm running against, Sen. Brady, he had a home building business that didn't hire union labor that didn't have union contractors. I believe that when we build something in Chicago, we build it the right way."

But Quinn said he has not actively taken part in any negotiations. He instead will leave the deal-making to the Chicago City Council.

Brady released a statement about the Wal-Mart offer, saying he "strongly supports" the offer, which he says would "bring jobs back to Illinois." A campaign spokeswoman said those jobs would be private-sector jobs that wouldn't cost any taxpayer money.

Brady's statement goes on to say, "I will stand shoulder to shoulder with those ready to deliver on this deal ... If only Gov. Quinn was willing to do the same."

Chicago leaders have been battling for months over Wal-Mart's proposed expansion. Mayor Richard Daley says he believes now is the time to come to an agreement. But some leaders fear the issue could come back to haunt them on Election Day.

[Illinois Statehouse News; By BENJAMIN YOUNT]