Illinois AFL-CIO and Chicago Federation of Labor Host U.S. Senate Forum for Union Members

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Union families hear from leading Democratic candidates on labor rights, the future of unions, and working families’ priorities

Chicago, IL – Last night, the Illinois AFL-CIO and the Chicago Federation of Labor hosted a Democratic U.S. Senate Forum at IBEW Local 134 in Chicago. Exclusively for union members and their families, the event featured the top three Democratic candidates – Rep. Robin Kelly, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton – in a discussion focused on labor rights, the future of unions, and their plans to address the most pressing challenges facing Illinois’ working families.

“Public support for unions is stronger than it’s been in decades — but every day, working people are under attack from a radical, anti-worker agenda,” said Tim Drea, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO. “We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines while corporate interests and their billionaire political allies try to break our movement. Union members need to understand exactly what’s at stake and stand shoulder to shoulder as we elect our next U.S. Senator. Yesterday’s forum wasn’t just about hearing from candidates — it was a call to action for union members to learn what’s at stake, organize and vote if we want to protect our rights, and our future.”

The forum was moderated by Jennifer Rodriguez, National AFL-CIO Political and Field Mobilization Director. Candidates discussed a range of topics, including the growing influence of Big Tech in the Democratic Party, affordable housing, healthcare access, and the need for clear regulations and guardrails against Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“Every day, we hear from union members in Chicago who are struggling to pay rent, afford groceries, and fear going to work because they may be unlawfully detained by ICE,” said Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor. “Chicago needs a strong leader in the Senate who will stand up for the rights of all working people and confront these challenges head-on to build a stronger, union-friendly America. We are a proud union town — and it’s up to us to lead the way. Workers want a better future for their families, and labor can set the tone this election cycle by sending an unapologetically pro-labor U.S. Senator to Washington.”

In December, the Illinois AFL-CIO will endorse candidates for the 2026 election, following the recommendations of delegates from across the state at the Committee on Political Education (COPE). Endorsed candidates must demonstrate their commitment to working families through their voting record and/or a submitted questionnaire.

Through its statewide political program, the Illinois AFL-CIO will mobilize union volunteers to canvass, phone-bank, and text-bank the state’s 1.7 million people in union households – ensuring direct, personal outreach from trusted messengers on the issues that matter most to working people.

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Illinois AFL-CIO Statement on Retirement of Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García

Chicago, IL – Today IL AFL-CIO President Tim Drea released the following statement in response to Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García’s retirement from U.S. Congress:

A first-generation Mexican American and proud, longtime union member, U.S. Representative Jesús “Chuy” García embodies the promise of America.

The son of two Teamsters and a union member himself, Chuy has always understood the power of organized labor to give working families a voice. From his early days as an organizer in Chicago’s 22nd Ward to co-sponsoring the PRO Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, Chuy has always led with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Congressman García has never shied away from tough conversations – from reform, economic equity, and workers’ rights. He has led with compassion, and his voice has been one of hope, perseverance, and unwavering support for Illinois’ diverse communities.

As Congressman García prepares to close this chapter of public service, we extend our deepest gratitude for his lifelong dedication to the people of Illinois. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders to fight for fairness, inclusion, and opportunity for all.

We wish Congressman García and his family every success and happiness in the next chapter of their journey.

Illinois AFL-CIO Statement on the Passing of Al Llorens, President of the Illinois Education Association

Springfield – Today, the Illinois AFL-CIO released the following statement from President Tim Drea and Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney on the passing of IEA President Al Llorens:

“On behalf of the Illinois AFL-CIO and hundreds of thousands of union members across the state, we want to express our profound sorrow at the passing of our friend, Al Llorens. Al was a devoted unionist, a tireless champion for his members, and a passionate advocate for public education everywhere. He was also a kind, principled man who lifted up everyone around him. Our hearts are with Al’s family, his friends, the people he served, and the entire IEA community.”

IL AFL-CIO Statement on the Passing of Governor Jim Edgar

Springfield, IL – Today, Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea released the following statement in response to Governor Jim Edgar’s passing.

“Governor Jim Edgar was a true public servant in every sense of the word. He led Illinois with compassion, integrity and respect for all viewpoints. Although organized labor did not always see eye to eye with the Governor, he always listened and worked to find agreement on both sides of the aisle to support Illinois’ working families.

He was a good man who cared about the future of our state, and we are grateful for his leadership. Governor Edgar will be missed, and our thoughts are with his family as we mourn this tremendous loss.”

September Newsletter – Illinois is Standing Up for Working Families this Labor Day

Dear friends:

Labor Day is approaching, and it is important to remember that this is more than a holiday. It’s a reminder that every workplace protection, every step toward fair wages, and every safety standard we enjoy today was fought for by generations of working people. And it’s a time to remember that those gains are never permanent unless we defend them.

Though this year brought many new challenges to worker safety at the federal level, the labor movement here in Illinois fought to ensure workers in our state would remain protected.

Earlier this month, Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1976 and House Bill 1189 into law — measures our labor movement fought hard to pass — creating a legislative shield against the anti-worker agenda coming out of Washington.

The Illinois Workers’ Rights and Worker Safety Act (SB 1976) ensures that in the face of federal rollbacks to workers’ rights, Illinois workers will still be afforded the hard-fought, long-established workplace protections they’ve relied on for decades.

Put simply, SB 1976 locks in the hard-won rights we have today, guarantees we won’t fall below them, and leaves the door open for Illinois to keep leading the nation in worker protections.

The current administration in Washington has made it clear that they do not stand with American workers. Donald Trump and his cronies are lining their pockets at the expense of working families. The administration has fired thousands of workers that enforce OSHA standards, weakening the programs and laws that ensure we can return home safely to our loved ones. Laws like SB 1976 are Illinois’ answer to federal attacks: you may try to lower the floor, but in the land of Lincoln, we’re building the ceiling higher.

Labor Day is about honoring the dignity of work, reminding us that life really is better in a union. These two laws make that dignity real — in every paycheck, every safe job site, and every workplace where rights are protected no matter who lives in the White House.

As leaders of the Illinois AFL-CIO, we are proud of what we accomplished together as a labor movement. But we also recognize that our opponents aren’t going away. The rights we’ve secured are only as strong as our commitment to defend them.

This Labor Day, let’s celebrate — and organize. Let’s keep building Illinois into the safest, fairest, most worker-friendly state in the country.

The fight continues. But thanks to the hard work and fighting spirit of our labor movement, Illinois workers are not just on defense. We’re leading the way forward.

We hope you had a chance to celebrate Labor Day with a CLC over the weekend or later today to remember why it’s better in a union.

In solidarity,

Tim Drea and Pat Devaney

You can read the rest of our September newsletter here.

August Newsletter – Unions: The Key to Leveling the Playing Field

Dear friends:

Do you know how much more the nation’s top CEOs made compared to their workers last year? Twenty times more? Fifty times more? One hundred times more?

Actually, the average S&P 500 CEO made 285 times what the median worker made in 2024, a 7% increase over the prior year with a whopping $18.9 million each in total compensation on average.

As if this vast inequality wasn’t bad enough: at a time when many workers are struggling to pay our bills, President Trump just handed America’s CEOs another massive tax break with his budget reconciliation bill, or as we like to call it, the “big, ugly bill.”

And we all know how Trump is paying for this gift to billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg: by making gigantic cuts to Medicaid, food assistance and other services we need—cuts that will slash hundreds of thousands of jobs in our communities.

The CEOs listed in the AFL-CIO’s Executive Paywatch report will be able to skip out on paying a combined $738 million in income taxes, thanks to the big, ugly budget reconciliation bill. How does that break down for workers?

That money could pay for:

  • Medicaid health care for 81,028 working people;
  • SNAP food assistance for 328,877 working families; or
  • School lunches for 925,508 students.

Read the AFL-CIO’s 2025 Executive Paywatch Report to see the numbers for yourself.

During the peak of union membership in the 1960s, the CEO-to-worker pay ratio was just 21-to-1. If we want to level the playing field and make sure workers earn their fair share, everyone needs the opportunity to join a union.

The wealthiest CEOs in America are profiting from the Trump administration’s policies while workers are fighting for their lives. In fact, last week, the Trump administration’s Department of Labor proposed repealing 60 rules that currently protect worker safety on the job.

The Trump administration called these rules “obsolete” – but we know better. Corporations will not protect workers from harmful substances or pay home health care workers minimum wage without someone there to make them. Women and minorities will be disproportionately impacted by these rollbacks. Contractors will no longer have to ensure adequate lighting at construction sites. Mine workers will have no guarantee of ventilation standards.

Another proposal limits OSHA’s reach, prohibiting employers from prohibiting, restricting or penalizing employers for “inherently risky professional activities that are intrinsic to professional, athletic, or entertainment occupations.” Whether you are a dancer, an electrician, or zookeeper, the DOL’s proposed rule changes put all of our lives at stake.

However, we can and will fight back — unions can continue to bargain for important safety provisions, hold our federal and local government’s accountable through legislative and legal action, and as a constituent, you can fight union busting by asking Congress to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act.

Here in Illinois, the General Assembly passed the Workers’ Rights and Safety Act, which could limit the impact of these rule changes for our state. This act would prevent state agencies from weakening safety standards below those set by federal law as of January 2025. The bill is now waiting for the Governor’s signature – stay tuned for updates.

In solidarity,

Tim Drea and Pat Devaney

You can read the rest of our August newsletter here. 

Illinois AFL-CIO Statement on Retirement of Representative Danny Davis

Springfield – Today, the Illinois AFL-CIO released the following statement from President Tim Drea in response to Representative Danny Davis’s announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2026:

“Danny Davis’s story is a uniquely American political story. His journey began through social service and neighborhood organizing and continued through local and county offices in Chicago, and then to the U.S. Congress, where he earned a reputation as a principled leader and determined advocate.

Danny Davis’s public life is devoted to empowering the those living and working on the margins of society with a fierce determination to provide justice and equality to all those he represents. We commend Congressman Davis on a lifetime of service and a job well done in Congress. He made Illinois a better place. We wish Danny and his family a long and happy retirement.”

July Newsletter – A union made 4th of July

Dear friends:

The Fourth of July is around the corner– a day for celebrating our independence, freedom and reflecting on our nation’s values of democracy and equality. We are also wrapping up Pride month at a time when many LGBTQ+ workers are facing unprecedented attacks.

For many of us, we are watching the news and questioning how our core, American values are suddenly hanging in the balance. Working families across Illinois are facing increased costs due to Trump’s reckless economic policies. They are watching the Trump administration roll back policies that keep us safe and healthy, while they fire the federal workers who enforce those that remain. Many are wondering how, since January, our country has moved so far from the principles of freedom and democracy enshrined in our constitution nearly 250 years ago.

At a time of widespread backlash against LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights, it is especially important that we are leveraging our union power at the bargaining table to fight for workplace justice for all workers. As we get ready to celebrate our independence, let’s also remember the LGBTQ+, immigrant, and all workers who are still fighting for basic dignity in this country.

If you are wondering how you can support your colleagues, we recommend resources from Pride at Work and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) to ensure we consider the diverse needs of all workers. We all have a role to play in creating a fair and just workplace — whether it is ensuring we have inclusive contract language and healthcare for our LGBTQ+ siblings or providing reliable information and resources as many workers, regardless of their documentation status, face threats of deportation.

The American labor movement has always stood for, and will always fight for, the basic dignities and freedoms that our country was built upon. Every day, workers demonstrate their freedom to organize by fighting back and winning. In fact, after AFGE, AFSCME, SEIU, IAM, and NNU sued the Trump administration over a union-busting executive order, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction ruling that the Trump administration likely violated the law by stripping nearly a million federal employees of their union rights. This is a huge win for workers — demonstrating that the collective power of working people can and does work to uphold the law.

Fundamental freedoms like the right to organize are what our country, and our state, are built upon. While times are challenging, the labor movement is standing strong and upholding the nation’s core values as we fight for basic freedoms like family sustaining wages, the right to a safe workplace, dignity for all workers, and so much more.

In solidarity,

Tim Drea and Pat Devaney

P.S: Will your holiday cookout be #unionmade? Find everything you need for a union made Fourth of July here.

Read the rest of our July newsletter here.

 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

June Newsletter – Summer heats up as the Illinois General Assembly adjourns

Dear friends:

The General Assembly adjourned in the early hours of June 1 without passing a number of labor’s priorities, most prominently fixing Tier 2 pensions or addressing the transit fiscal cliff. Despite tireless advocacy from the We are One Illinois Coalition and the Labor Alliance for Public Transit, the General Assembly failed to act on both of labor’s negotiated proposals.

Our efforts on both issues sought not only to better the lives and security of union members, but also to improve services across our state that every person relies on. The failure of the General Assembly to find solutions to our state’s biggest problems fails not only union members, but everyone across Illinois who relies on our roads, trains, schools, fire departments, and other essential services.

While threats by the Trump administration to cut federal funds for our state are concerning, it is no excuse for inaction. If anything, attacks on our state from Washington, D.C. make it more urgent for our leaders here in Illinois to showcase the benefits to our communities that come from government putting the lives of working families above the demands of corporations.

While we are disappointed by the failure of the General Assembly to act on these urgent issues, we recognize the fight continues. The dates for the fall Veto Session have not been released, and there is discussion of a possible special session this summer depending on the impact of the federal budget.

As we continue to advocate on these issues, we want to recognize the hard work of all of the labor unions involved in both the Labor Alliance for Public Transit and We Are One Illinois coalitions.

Additionally, these efforts showcased the solidarity of the labor movement. The Labor Alliance for Public Transit was supported by union members from Actors Equity, SAG-AFTRA, UNITE HERE, Workers United, Painters District Council 14, Chicago Federation of Musicians, SEIU HCII, among many other unions, and we thank them for their advocacy as well.

Together, we must continue to fight to ensure that the General Assembly puts workers and communities over corporations.

In solidarity,

Tim Drea and Pat Devaney

Read the full newsletter update here.