The project labour agreement (PLA) was signed between Bally’s and the AFL-CIO’s Building and Construction Trades Department.

AFL-CIO affiliate the Chicago & Cook County Building & Construction Trades Council (CCBT) also signed the PLA.

“CCBT is proud to stand with Bally’s Chicago in this historic building of the first and only casino in the city of Chicago,” said Michael Macellaio, CCBT President.

“With this agreement, Bally’s shows that it understands the importance of good-paying jobs in our city and the dignity of our hard-working people.”

In May, Bally’s bid to construct Chicago’s first casino was approved by Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Now, the project has moved one step closer to becoming a reality.

The proposed casino will be located on the 30-acre site currently occupied by the Chicago Tribune Publishing Center and is expected to cost around $1.7bn.

When complete, Bally’s Chicago will purportedly house 3,400 slots, 170 table games, 10 food and beverage venues, a 500-room hotel tower and a 3,000-seat entertainment centre, among other amenities.

“At Bally’s, we believe our company should reflect the community,” said Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim

“This PLA is a demonstration of our commitment to embrace organised labour that has played such a key role in building the great city of Chicago.

“This is the first step of a project that will be built by Chicago, for Chicago and help the city keep its promises to the police and fire pensions.”