OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
LORI E. LIGHTFOOT MAYOR
April 27, 2022
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Osterman, Hopkins, Coleman, Taliaferro, Dowell, Ramirez-Rosa, Sigcho-Lopez, Sadlowski-Garza, Vasquez, Quinn, Reboyras, Hadden, King, Rodriguez, Silverstein, Cardenas, Ervin, Mitts, Hairston, Nugent and La Spata, a resolution congratulating Tom Balanoff on his retirement as President of Local 1.
Your favorable consideration ofthis resolution will be appreciated.
ayor
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, In recognition of his leadership and appreciation of his tireless work improving the lives of Chicago workers through zealous advocacy and his commitment to leading a social conscious labor movement, the Members of this Chamber are pleased to congratulate Tom Balanoff, on the occasion of his retirement as President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1 in Chicago and the union's State Council; and
WHEREAS, Formed in Chicago in 1921, SEIU Local 1 was the first racially integrated union in America, bringing together immigrant janitors from across the globe who were fighting for better working conditions; and
WHEREAS, As more and more Americans left the factory and found new opportunities in airports, hospitals, nursing homes, offices, and coffee shops, Mr. Balanoff discovered his life's mission: defending the rights ofthe service workers who make our economy thrive; and
WHEREAS, To become an even stronger advocate for economic and labor justice, Mr. Balanoff earned a master's degree in labor and industrial relations from the University of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated labor leader for decades, Mr. Balanoff was there whenever his skills were needed to protect the rights of workers. He worked for the International Association of Fire Fighters in Washington, D.C, forthe Allied Industrial Workers in Chicago, and forthe Cement Lime and Gypsum Work...
Click here for full text