The IEA’s state convention, which is held in March, usually takes place at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare.
That property is managed and owned by the Pritzker family, including Penny Pritzker, who was Obama’s fund-raising chair in 2008.
Pritzker’s Hyatt Hotel Corporation is the target of Unite Here. The union wants a fair and decent contract for the hotel’s workers. The Hyatt Regency O’Hare is involved in a job action by Unite Here, the union which represents Hyatt workers.
Although the job action began Labor Day, the IEA leadership has not yet announced if it will withdraw its business from the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. There has been no statement of support for the union workers.
Last week, mayoral candidate and former Chief of Staff for President Obama, Rahm Emanuel met with the same Penny Pritzker.
The Trib reported:
The former congressman and White house chief of staff met with nine local education organizers, including Penny Pritzker, who also served as President Barack Obama’s national finance chair in the 2008 campaign, an Emanuel campaign official said today.
How did Penny Pritzker become an education organizer?
Only Rahm and the Trib know. And they’re not telling.
Meanwhile, as I pointed out in an earlier post, the alleged education organizer Penny Pritzker is a member of the Civic Committee. The Civic Committee has been the leading corporate organization, who along with the Chicago Tribune have been attacking teacher and public employee pensions.
Fred Klonsky 