Chicago News Cooperative

A Thriving Industry Built on Low-Compensated Temp Workers

Staffed by about 150,000 workers, the Chicago port industry is one of the area’s few booming blue-collar industries. But unlike earlier blue collar jobs, which once promised a secure middle-class future and a comfortable retirement, warehousing positions are largely transitory and provide low pay, few benefits, and little hope for advancement. As one worker recounts, he was laid off and rehired every few months by temporary-staffing agencies, and he never received paid vacation days, holidays, sick days, or affordable insurance. Read more