Recent Updates

Illinois AFL-CIO Reflects on Life and Legacy of Barbara Flynn Currie, Contributions to Illinois’ Working Families

Springfield, IL — Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea and Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney released the following statement: The Illinois labor movement is saddened by the passing of the Honorable Barbara Flynn Currie, a pioneering lawmaker and the first woman to serve as Majority Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives at a time when women were […]

2026 Workers’ Memorial Day Events

Join working families as they observe Workers Memorial Day on April 28. Pledge to continue the fight for SAFE JOBS NOW. Alton – The Greater Madison County Federation of Labor Workers Memorial program will be held Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00pm at Gordon Moore Park, at the Workers Memorial Site, Highway 140, in Alton Illinois.  […]

Mid-Illinois Labor Council “Modernizes the Movement,” Electing New Officers

Decatur, IL – Last night, Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea swore in the Mid-Illinois Labor Council’s nine new officers, who affirmed their commitment to advocating for union members and their families. The newly inaugurated leadership emphasized building strong partnerships with community organizations and engaging in political campaigns aimed at improving the lives of working people. The […]

Illinois AFL-CIO Honors IDOL Director, Two General Assembly Members At “Labor Salutes” Award Ceremony

Springfield – Tonight, the Illinois AFL-CIO honored three Illinois leaders for their outstanding contributions to the state’s labor movement at its annual “Labor Salutes” awards ceremony. “The Illinois labor movement is proud to stand behind these three leaders who have spent their entire careers relentlessly fighting for working families,” stated Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea. […]

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We love to see our CLCs in action. 👏

Union leaders across Central Illinois attended the Mid-Central Labor Council's first ever labor roundtable where they heard from Lt. Governor candidate Christian Mitchell. The forum allowed the council to raise awareness about issues important to working families.

With their eyes and ears on the ground, our CLCs are modernizing the movement and connecting workers to their communities.

#UnionStrong
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We love to see our CLCs in action. 👏

Union leaders across Central Illinois attended the Mid-Central Labor Councils first ever labor roundtable where they heard from Lt. Governor candidate Christian Mitchell.  The forum allowed the council to raise awareness about issues important to working families.  

With their eyes and ears on the ground, our CLCs are modernizing the movement and connecting workers to their communities. 

#UnionStrong

Next Wednesday, Chicago Jobs with Justice is hosting Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health & Recovery in the Workplace at Plumbers 130 Training Center in Chicago. This event will feature a discussion around sobriety and mental health in the workplace, including tools for those struggling and opportunities for solidarity.

Register here: actionnetwork.org/events/breaking-the-stigma-mental-health-and-recovery-in-the-workplace
... See MoreSee Less

Next Wednesday, Chicago Jobs with Justice is hosting Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health & Recovery in the Workplace at Plumbers 130 Training Center in Chicago. This event will feature a discussion around sobriety and mental health in the workplace, including tools for those struggling and opportunities for solidarity. 

Register here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/breaking-the-stigma-mental-health-and-recovery-in-the-workplace

Liz Looper did not enter the trades straight out of high school. Instead, after years of low-wage work, financial strain and uncertainty as a single mother, she found her way to Painters District Council 30 (PDC30) and into the North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institute (NCIFTI) Apprenticeship Program in Rockford. Listen to her full story here: awf.labortools.com/listen/painter-apprentice-union-path-forward-liz-looper

#tradeswomenthursday #UnionStrong #1u
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Liz Looper did not enter the trades straight out of high school. Instead, after years of low-wage work, financial strain and uncertainty as a single mother, she found her way to Painters District Council 30 (PDC30) and into the North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institute (NCIFTI) Apprenticeship Program in Rockford. Listen to her full story here: https://awf.labortools.com/listen/painter-apprentice-union-path-forward-liz-looper

#TradeswomenThursday #UnionStrong #1u

#WaybackWednesday to the CIO's 1944 constitutional convention in Chicago. Prior to the merger of the AFL-CIO in 1955, the CIO was a separate labor federation that aimed to organize "unskilled" workers. Our team found this vintage credential on a trip to Detroit where we visited the Walter Reuther Library and met with UAW Archivist Gavin Strassel. #1u #UnionStrong #LaborHistory ... See MoreSee Less

#WaybackWednesday to the CIOs 1944 constitutional convention in Chicago. Prior to the merger of the AFL-CIO in 1955, the CIO was a separate labor federation that aimed to organize unskilled workers. Our team found this vintage credential on a trip to Detroit where we visited the Walter Reuther Library and met with UAW Archivist Gavin Strassel.  #1u #UnionStrong #LaborHistory

It's crunch time. We've got less than 30 days until the Illinois General Assembly adjourns and there are scores of bills that we need to pass to support working people. Do you know what your union is up to in the Capitol?

We're partnering with unions from the trades to the arts to:
✊ Create an equitable unemployment system
✊ Retain public education professionals in our schools
✊ Address pension inequities
✊ Support our arts unions
✊ Improve job site safety standards
✊ and more...

Pictured: Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer testifying on the Unemployment Equity Act (HB4416).
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Its crunch time. Weve got less than 30 days until the Illinois General Assembly adjourns and there are scores of bills that we need to pass to support working people. Do you know what your union is up to in the Capitol? 

Were partnering with unions from the trades to the arts to:
✊ Create an equitable unemployment system
✊ Retain public education professionals in our schools
✊ Address pension inequities
✊ Support our arts unions
✊ Improve job site safety standards 
✊ and more...

Pictured: Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer testifying on the Unemployment Equity Act (HB4416).

Last month, the University of Illinois and Climate Jobs Institute hosted a group of grassroots women leaders from Chile’s Biobío coal basin and introduced them to workers and families in Illinois. As part of their visit, they visited the Christian County Coal Museum, where they met with IL AFL-CIO President Tim Drea, and learned about his upbringing in the labor movement as a coal miner in Central Illinois.

Solidarity knows no limit. From the coal mines of Chile to the mines of Central Illinois, we're all fighting for dignity, safety and fairness. #1u #MiningHistory #UnionMiners
... See MoreSee Less

Last month, the University of Illinois and Climate Jobs Institute hosted a group of grassroots women leaders from Chile’s Biobío coal basin and introduced them to workers and families in Illinois. As part of their visit, they visited the Christian County Coal Museum, where they met with IL AFL-CIO President Tim Drea, and learned about his upbringing in the labor movement as a coal miner in Central Illinois.

Solidarity knows no limit. From the coal mines of Chile to the mines of Central Illinois, were all fighting for dignity, safety and fairness. #1u #MiningHistory #UnionMinersImage attachment
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