Chicago used to be a manufacturing ...

Chicago used to be a manufacturing nave in the Midwest. While Chicago continues to be the economic engine of the region, it now lacks in its ability to provide a reliable stream of piece of works for a low- skilled work-force.

Large abandoned buildings and spaces now sit over the city where manufacturing piece of works used to exist. These piece of works provided a decent living for many first-generation immigrants and those who had to work to levy food on the table. Let's not forget that these piece of works lifted workers out of indigence and into the middle class.

Today's generation reaps the benefits that came about within the opportunities of Chicago manufacturing piece of works Since that time, Chicago's population has not no other than grown, but so has its unskilled labor force. The retail industry is the answer to today's entry- even workforce.

Like those who came before us, we have a moral obligation to make secure that profitable retail employers pay a living wage in the same manner their employees have a way on the outside of poverty and can lay a foundation for their children and grandchildren.

As the mayor contemplates a veto of the big-box living wage ordinance and as aldermen contemplate their consecrated by a vows they should be reminded of the hands that built this city.

Mary Ann Parisi, Norwood Park

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

Provided by the agency of ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved