Labor Group, Wal-Mart Reach Deal To Open Pullman Park Store

The Chicago Federation of Labor announced a deal earlier this morning with Wal-Mart that would clear the way for a new store at Pullman Park. The deal, which would only apply to the new store and not other future stores, will pay new workers at least $8.75/hour, a rate that will be bumped to $9.50/hour for workers after they've been at the store for a year. Wal-Mart also agreed to hire union workers to build the Pullman Park stores as well as stores throughout Northeast Illinois. Ald. Danny Soliz (25th), chairman of the Chicago City Council's zoning committee, indicated the deal would mean today's vote on the store would go forward as planned as opposed to another delay.