On Monday, February 22nd, the Technology and Manufacturing Association hosted State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D‐5th District) for a roundtable discussion of manufacturing issues at Freedman Seating Company on Chicago’s West Side.
“I’d like to thank Senator Van Pelt for taking time out of her busy schedule to sit with us to discuss issues of importance to the manufacturing community,” stated TMA Government Relations Committee Chairman Zach Mottl. “It is critical f or our elected leaders to underst and the key initiatives we support in Springfield, such as workers’ compensation reform. Other issues for manufacturers, pale in comparison for the need for workers’ comp reform,” Mottl added.
Senator Van Pelt, who represents a wide swath of Chicago’s North and West sides, stated, “I want to see manufacturers succeed and Freedman Seating is a prime example of a great local success story. I know that workers’ comp reform has been discussed for some time in Springfield and I hope to add my views to that ongoing discussion,” she added.
Freedman Seating is a 120‐year‐old Chicago Company that manufactures seats and seating related products for many different applications. Product lines include bus, rail, marine, delivery truck, specialty and commercial vehicle seating. We employ over 700 people in Chicago. “Employers have an obligation to take care of injuries caused on the job. However, it’s fraudulent claims that degrade the commitment we’ve made to our employees and their families,” said Freedman Seating President Craig Freedman. “We need serious workers’ comp reform as the current system is failing small and mid‐size companies, employees and taxpayers.”
The roundtable with Senator Van Pelt was the first in a series of briefings that TMA will host with their members and state legislators throughout 2016. TMA will also host their annual Mayors for Manufacturing Conference on May 10th at Prairie State College.
About TMA
8 small manufacturing companies who thought they could better themselves by associating with one another founded TMA in 1925. Through the years, members established programs and services to help their businesses grow and prosper, train their employees, and provide medical and retirement benefits. TMA has grown into an almost 1,000 member not‐for‐profit organization representing more than 30,000 employees of precision manufacturing and supplier companies throughout Illinois.