Yesterday, I participated in a press conference in Des Plaines, Illinois to discuss the issue of jobs in Illinois.
For the first time in a while, it wasn't to highlight the fact that Illinois is approximately 1% higher than the national average in unemployment, or that we are facing one of the worst fiscal crises in state government since the 1980s.
Rather, it was to celebrate the fact that over one thousand workers in Illinois and over four thousand nationwide at Hartmarx Corp. are keeping their jobs making some of the finest suits in the country. Suits so special, our President wore one on the night he was elected.
Below the fold -- some news, links, and video celebrating a real victory for American workers.
The Daily Herald captured the moment.
The din of cutting machines, presses and other equipment at Hart Schaffner & Marx's Des Plaines factory was silenced for a few hours Monday, replaced by the thunderous clapping and chanting of workers.
The sea of jubilant faces clad in orange and purple T-shirts holding placards reading "Standing Together, Saving Jobs" repeated the mantra that became the rallying cry during the 2006 Chicago immigration reform marches: "Si, se puede" or "Yes, it can be done."
The 122-year-old Chicago-based suitmaker, Hartmarx Corp., staved off liquidation by Wells Fargo & Co. after a U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved its sale last Friday to British private-equity firm Emerisque Brands U.K.
The workers are the real heroes in this story. They persevered through trying times and in a climate where too often they are left behind.
But we also need to thank several other folks who instrumental in this story.
First, our own Progress Illinois who has been tirelessly covering this story.
Second, the SEIU Illinois State Council and Workers United unions fought to make sure the voices of the workers of Hartmarx were heard loud and clear.
Finally, we cannot forget the efforts of my friends Congressman Phil Hare and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.
Without their leadership, we wouldn't be able to share the good news reported today in Chicago.
I spoke on this issue on our local Fox News channel (they're not like the cable one) yesterday morning and am happy to be here promoting a story where we can celebrate workers fighting for their jobs and winning.