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Chicago Developers, Unions Partner to Diversify Building Trades
Chicago’s largest developers including Sterling Bay and Related Midwest, general contractors, labor unions and United Way of Metro Chicago have launched HIRE360, a regional workforce development and small business support program that’s reportedly the first of its kind.
The HIRE360 partnership aims to provide greater access to employment opportunities in manufacturing, construction, hospitality and professional services for minorities and women. It will offer recruiting, training and placement assistance.
“HIRE360 is a 360-degree vision for community-connected employment and business opportunities,” said Don Biernacki, SVP of construction at Related Midwest.
“For years, labor unions and the development industry have worked to increase diversity in the trades through one-off, unconnected programs,” said Chicago Federation of Labor’s Charise Williams. “We haven’t made the progress we need. HIRE360 changes that by bringing together business and labor to create a pathway for underrepresented communities to access these jobs and the support needed to thrive in them.”
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