While workers and the state government of Illinois were in happy support concerning the new Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act, some might be surprised to learn that businesses were – for the most part – as supportive of this newly signed legislation too.
CEO Annesa Muthana of Pioneer Service Inc. and M&M Quality Grinding – representing the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association at this press conference – noted the following.
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you, Governor, on behalf of the Illinois Manufacturing Association. I would like to thank everyone for coming out today and for this act as a CEO of two manufacturing companies. It’s my pleasure to join to celebrate this new paid leave law that will help employers invest in their employees.
Currently, Illinois manufacturers employ more than 650,000 individuals. That’s 14% of our state’s economy. Manufacturers invest in our human capital, which is our most important asset by paying wages and benefits that average more than $80,000 a year. I think that’s the secret here, right? We need to get that out.
Providing also the necessary skills and training to be successful. For the record. Nationally, more than 94% of manufacturers already provide a paid leave and employer funded health care. We do it not because we have to. We do it because we care.
I’ve been in this industry for over 30 years and I am proud to be CEO and co owner of two companies pioneer service and m&m quality bar grinding. Both machining facilities contribute to a wide variety of industries. Everything from aerospace to the parts of electrical vehicles, something I know you’re a fan of. And let’s not forget that we served the medical and biotech industries during the battle against COVID.
I’ll end with a friendly reminder, manufacturers are makers. The process of bringing people together to make something that will go on to serve a bigger purpose is where our passion lies. Knowing that the parts that leave our shops are contributing to the world at large. Touching Lives, fuels us as manufacturers. That’s the passion that the governor was talking about.
The pandemic was only one of many examples that we stepped up and we shined and we continue to shine and thrive. I ask all officials, local and national to advocate for this industry. The industry that is the backbone of this country. Thank you.
