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Juneteenth is labor history.
After emancipation, newly freed African Americans entered the workforce and faced a new fight: winning a fair day's pay for a fair day's work.
Excluded from the founding of the National Labor Union, Black workers organized the Colored National Labor Union in 1869 and built power of their own.
From the very beginning of the American labor movement, African Americans have been at the forefront of the fight for dignity, justice, and workers' rights.
#Juneteenth #UnionStrong #LaborHistory
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Almost 101 years ago, following the Pullman Strike, companies used court injunctions to declare strikes illegal.
Republican Len Small signed the anti-injunction bill on June 19, 1925, making it illegal to issue court injunctions during non-violent strikes. The bill passed the Illinois House on June 10, 1925, by a three-vote margin. The bill's sponsor was State Representative and future Illinois AFL President Reuben Soderstrom.
Photo of Governor Lennington ("Len") Small (1862-1936).
#ThrowbackThursday #LaborHistory #UnionStrong
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Decisions, decisions, decisions… 🤔
Meanwhile, union members are over here with better paychecks, health care, job security, dignity at work… and all the other perks of not getting steamrolled at work.
How has being in a union made your life better?
#UnionStrong #1U
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At 24 years old, Abbi Donovan "felt stuck" working "odd jobs" in Chicago — from the golf course to acting and waitressing -- all without health insurance. She knew she would be kicked off her parents healthcare plan in two years and need to take action -- that's when she joined the IUPAT. Today, Abbi has healthcare, earns a great living, and loves her job -- likening it to a big puzzle and arts and crafts project.
Full article here: people.com/24-year-old-gets-blue-collar-job-makes-six-figures-exclusive-11973701
#TradeswomenThursday #UnionStrong #1u
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“Remember those that lose their lives on the job and never forget them.”
Powerful words from NALC Branch 11 President Elise Foster, who was joined in conversation with Keith Hill, ATU Local 241 President, at the @aflcio 2026 Convention panel on worker health and safety.
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Delegates from Illinois attended the AFL-CIO Convention in Minneapolis this week, where many of our leaders shared their wins and struggles with union members from across the country. Together, we are fighting for a future that works for ALL working people. #ItsBetterInAUnion
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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. […]