Unlikely Allies Talk Future of Work in Chicago’s Hospitality Industry (26 June 2023, Global)

This article presents an overview of a meeting co-sponsored by collaborating organizations and partners of the US-Canada Working Group of the FOWLS Project.

Unlikely Allies Talk Future of Work in Chicago’s Hospitality Industry

CHICAGO – Local and international leaders from the faith community, labor, the hospitality and tourism industry, community-based organizations, academia, the hospitality workforce, and government gathered at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls to discuss the challenges facing Chicago’s hospitality industry and develop a shared vision for the future on June 13.

The event, chaired by Dr. Peter Warrian, Senior Research Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto and Fr. Clete Kiley, Chaplain, Chicago Federation of Labor, is the part of North American regional efforts within a multi-year Initiative called “The Future of Work – Labour after Laudato si’” which was inspired by Pope Francis. The Initiative is coordinated by the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) in Geneva, Switzerland. The International Labor Organization and the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development are also collaborators.

“Chicago’s hospitality industry is second-to-none because of the workers who make the beds, set the tables and provide the exceptional entertainment experiences for our guests,” Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter said. “Industries are changing with the developments of automation and artificial intelligence and hospitality is no different. We’ve seen the way industries can change with automation practically overnight, placing unrealistic demands on workers or worse, eliminating their jobs entirely. We’re committed to working with our partners to protect those critical jobs that make Chicago make sure workers are treated with dignity and respect.”

Speakers at the event included Ignacio Alonso Alasino, Project Manager, “The Future of Work – Labour after Laudato si’” Project of the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), Imam Tariq I. El-Amin, Resident Imam of Masjid Al-Taqwa, Jay Rowell, Executive Director of HIRE360 and Roushaunda Williams, UNITE HERE Local 1 shop steward and Illinois AFL-CIO Vice President.

Over 80 attendees participated in small group conversations, facilitated by Sister Mary Priniski, Chapter Prioress, Catherine of Sienna Chapter, Adrian Dominicans with

theological reflections by Fr. Louis Cameli, Cardinal Cupich’s Delegate for Formation and Mission.

“In a rapidly changing workplace environment, upholding the dignity of work and respect for workers’ rights is crucial for a just and thriving community. At Arise Chicago, our work with low wage and immigrant workers helps employers and workers create a future for work that is consistent with the values of a religiously diverse society,” said Rev. John Thomas, President of the Board of Directors of Arise Chicago.

“In our current era of rapid technological change and economic instability, it is more important than ever that we reflect on the ways that work enhances — or fails to enhance — the dignity we all deserve,” said Professor Dan Graff of the University of Notre Dame. “Gatherings like this social dialogue thus represent critical opportunities to recognize the essential work performed by those in the service sector and promote just wages for all.”

The discussion from the gathering will result in the drafting of a values statement to help stakeholders navigate the challenges facing Chicago and the hospitality industry.

“Cardinal Czerny has asked me to assure you of his deep concern about the working conditions for workers engaged in the hospitality industry in this city, in North American and throughout the world. Your collective effort to formulate a Statement of Values for the Hospitality Industry is a valuable contribution to the global project ‘Future of Work: Labour after Laudato Si’ that could inspire other sectors in other regions,” said Ambassador Anne Leahy, member of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, who travelled from Quebec to represent Cardinal Michael Czerny.

The event’s lead sponsor is the Chicago Federation of Labor. Co-sponsors include Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, ARISE Chicago, the Center for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame, Aquinas Literacy Center, the International Catholic Migration Commission, and “The Future of Work – Labour after Laudato si’” initiative.

Since 1896, the CFL has fought for economic, social, and racial justice for all working people. The CFL proudly represents 300 unions, who in turn represent approximately 500,000 working people in Chicago and Cook County.

June 14, 2023

Contact: Jake Berent

Cell: (773) 612-4518

Email: jberent@chicaglabor.org