Southern Illinois Central Labor Council Swears in New Officers and Begins Operations for First Time Since 2020
West Frankfort, IL – Last Thursday, the Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea swore in 10 newly elected officers to the Southern Illinois Central Labor Council (SICLC).
The SICLC has not had officers elected since the Spring of 2020. Over the last year, SICLC has held leadership meetings to rebuild the CLC to better advocate for union members and working families in Southern Illinois.
In the last six months, the SICLC has increased their affiliation from 3 International Unions (IU) and 5 Local Unions to 15 International Unions and 52 Local Unions. On May 8, 2025, the delegates held nominations for the officer positions and all officers were elected by acclamation.
The election of new officers provides renewed opportunity for the SICLC to explore new ideas with a focus on growing community participation, increased membership, and greater advocacy on working class issues.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to once again be elected President of the 28,000 union members affiliated with the Southern Illinois Central Labor Council,” stated newly elected SICLC President Jason Woolard. “With support from our members, all the newly elected officers of the SICLC are prepared to work in collaboration on behalf of the labor movement here in Southern Illinois. We look forward to helping unions succeed and grow in our jurisdiction, and we will always be a uniting voice for all workers and their families who wish to organize throughout the region.”
“I congratulate President Woolard and the new officers of the Southern Illinois Central Labor Council for the hard work they’ve put in to rebuild their labor council,” said Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea. “I look forward to seeing what this new chapter for the SICLC will be able to accomplish for working families in Southern Illinois.”
The newly elected officers are as follows:
President
Jason Woolard, IBEW 702
Executive Vice President
John Day, AFSCME 1048
Secretary Treasurer
Wesley Tartt, UFCW 881
Recording Secretary
Debra Horn, USW 15009
Vice President (3)
Adam Robertson, Carpenters 662
Jason Culbreth, Iron Workers 782
Clint Walker, UA 551
Trustees (4)
Jason McNeill, UMWA 2463
Ona Rivera Winfield, AFSCME 141
Charles Sine, LIUNA 773
