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Feb. 4, 2011 Amidst the third largest blizzard to ever strike the metropolitan area, Chicago mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel made a surprise visit to Teamsters at O'Hare International Airport to thank them for digging out the city. "It speaks volumes to Rahm Emanuel's character that he took the time to personally acknowledge and thank the city workers who bear the brunt of this historic storm," said John T. Coli, Trustee of Teamsters Local 700. "The Teamsters are the first line of defense—operating the snow plows for Streets and Sanitation and at our airports—and Rahm truly recognized their efforts and dedication." Approximately 20 inches of snow blanketed the Chicago area for 24 hours across Tuesday and Wednesday, with 60-mile per hour winds making travel nearly impossible throughout the city. Air travel also came to a standstill as thousands of flights were canceled at O'Hare and Midway International Airport. On the O'Hare runways, more than 300 snowbirds represented by Teamsters Local 700 were ready and waiting as the first snowflakes began to fall on Tuesday. "These men and women live for this stuff," said Hector Hernandez, Local 700 steward and a 13-year veteran of the Department of Aviation. "The Teamsters have been working around the clock to spread salt, manage snow drifts and plow runways and roadways. We've also been working in the city to ensure the streets are clear so that residents have easier access to the airport." On Wednesday, Emanuel made his way to O'Hare as the first flights in nearly a day began to land. With the majority of workers on 12-hour rotations, Teamsters began to camp out at O'Hare permanently, sleeping on cots in lieu of going home in between shifts. Coli, who also serves at the Trustee of Local 700, accompanied Emanuel to break rooms, workstations and garages across the O'Hare campus to spend time with as many workers as possible. The mayoral candidate, who has led the pack in recent polls commissioned by Teamsters Joint Council 25, Local 700 and other organizations, shook hands with Teamsters during shift changes, snapped photos and individually spoke with workers on issues important to organized labor. "This was not a publicity stunt; there were no cameras or news crews in tow. Rahm wanted to really spend time with workers and show his support for all that they do for the City of Chicago," said William P. Logan, Local 700 Assistant Trustee. "There's a lot of work left to be done to recover from this blizzard, but it's nice to know our members aren't alone out there as they get the city back on its feet." On January 25, Joint Council 25 and Local 700 officially endorsed Emanuel in the Chicago mayoral election. Early voting has already begun in Chicago's mayoral race. Election day is February 22. |
William P. Logan, President 1300 W. Higgins Rd. Suite 301 CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATOR: UPCOMING EVENTS Monday, May 28 Wednesday, July 4 Saturday, August 4 |
