WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Executive Council of the AFL-CIO passed a resolution at its national convention expressing its full support of the National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act, the federal legislation that will improve the nation’s air transportation system.
At Congress’ request, Illinois Governor George Ryan and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley agreed to a comprehensive plan to expand Chicago’s air traffic capacity to minimize delays at the nation’s busiest air traffic hub. Congestion at O’Hare creates delays at airports nationwide. The plan requires congressional approval to move ahead, and is embodied in the National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act.
Citing the vast implications the bill will have on job creation and the nation’s economy, the AFL-CIO urged Congress and the President to promptly pass and approve the legislation.
“The modernization of O’Hare International Airport will stimulate the economy nationwide. As the nation’s aviation hub, an efficient O’Hare will benefit millions of working men and women in hundreds of communities throughout the United States,” said John Sweeney, President of the AFL-CIO.
O’Hare serves more destinations than any other U.S. airport, and when it does not operate efficiently, the national aviation system suffers.
Nearly 500,000 jobs depend on O’Hare International Airport, generating more than $35 billion annually in economic benefits of the Chicago region alone. The modernization of O’Hare will provide an additional $16-$18 billion in annual economic benefits, and will create 195,000 new jobs over the next decade.
“A failure to enact this legislation would be a huge loss for working families nationwide. Hundreds of thousands of workers owe their jobs to industries that rely on an efficient air transportation system, such as tourism, manufacturing, transportation and freight forwarding,” said Don Turner, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor.
“The National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act is the single most important piece of legislation for job creation in the state of Illinois,” said Margaret Blackshere, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO.
According to an independent economic study conducted by Booz-Allen & Hamilton, the Chicagoland region will squander an opportunity to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs if growth at O’Hare is capped.
“The Daley-Ryan agreement is not just good for Chicago’s economy, it’s an economic stimulus for the entire state. O’Hare contributes nearly half a million jobs to Illinois’ economy,” said Blackshere.