Local 73, allies mobilize to help veterans find good jobs

     SEIU Local 73 is proud to be a new partner in the Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative (EPI) -- a program which aims to reward the men and women who have honorably served our country by assisting them in obtaining career opportunities.
     Local 73 is one of dozens of Chicago and Illinois State employers who signed partnership agreements with the Army Reserve and National Guard during ceremonies held at Teamster City in Chicago on August 5.
     The alliances are designed to help strengthen the community, support Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers and their Families, and maintain a strong economy.
     Among the other partners who joined EPI are: the State of Illinois, City of Chicago, Chicago 2016, Cook County, Teamsters Joint Council 25, The Chicago & Cook County Building Trades Council and the Chicago Federation of Labor.
     "I'm pleased to begin lasting partnerships with the State of Illinois and so many of the Chicago area's leading employers," said Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, Chief, Army Reserve. "I look forward to collaborating with our newest valued partners to achieve mutual goals to attract, develop and retain a quality workforce. This is a natural partnership because today's partners have always been great friends of the military"
     "It is our duty to take care of Veterans, who have answered the call to duty and bravely defended our country," said Governor Pat Quinn. "I salute Helmets to Hardhats and all the partners here today. We join together in signing this memo of understanding so that we can help provide our Servicemembers and Veterans the jobs they deserve."
     The Army Reserve is teaming up with business leaders and public officials across the country to develop staffing solutions to meet industry demands, tackle the issue of workplace preparedness and reinvigorate the employee base in order to remain competitive in the global economy.
     "We have about 3,000 Soldiers of the Illinois National Guard returning from deployment with an economy that soured while they were gone," said Maj. Gen. William L. Enyart, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "Commitments like these from employers and efforts such as the Employer Partnership Initiative as well as the employer support of the Guard and Reserve's programs will help ensure these troops have jobs to come back to."
     "The Teamsters are committed to ensuring Veteran Soldiers forever play a role in strengthening our economy and contributing to the future of our communities," said John T. Coli, President, Teamsters Joint Council 25. "Joint Council 25 is honored to bring the Army Reserve and National Guard together with so many of Illinois' esteemed employers in support of our Soldiers and their Families."
     Through the EPI, employers and the Army Reserve secure and share the talents of trained professionals. Businesses and organizations benefit from the employment of men and women with Army values, experience and proven leadership skills. Since its inception in April 2008, more than 400 public and private employers have joined the initiative.