(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Organized labor is celebrating Brandon Johnson’s victory in Chicago’s mayoral election. But the head of one major union says they are also trying to be realistic about what it means for them.
The Service Employees International Union’s healthcare branch was among labor groups donating big money and volunteers to Johnson’s mayoral bid.
Some Johnson critics predicted the mayor-elect would be a puppet of labor unions, but leaders reject that notion. In fact, Greg Kelley, president of SEIU Healthcare, cannot say exactly what the relationship with the mayor’s office will be.
Kelley says his members know that unions are not going to call the shots at City Hall, and he says he’s not exactly sure what Johnson will be able to do for organized labor. Still, he said it’s important to have someone who understands union members in the mayor’s office.
Will members ultimately be disappointed by what is accomplished? Kelley doesn’t think so. He said members understand Johnson must be mayor for all of Chicago.
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