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 newly elected officers include:

  • President- John Warner, IBEW 146
  • Vice President- Erik Davenport, USW 7-0838
  • Secretary Treasurer- Amy Rueff, LIUNA 362
  • Executive Board Member- Tera Kapraun, IBEW 146
  • Executive Board Member- Lloyd Holman, UTU 453
  • Executive Board Member- Jim Taylor, UAW 751
  • Executive Board Member- Barb Jackson, AFSCME 674
  • Executive Board Member- Joe Peoples, USW 7-0838
  • Trustee- Nicole May, BCTGM 103G
  • Trustee- Krissy Webber, Roofers 97
  • Trustee- Derek Francisco, Painters 288
  • Sergeant At Arms- Bemajederiki (Bem) Williams, AFSCME 674

President John Warner is a journeyman member and president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 146. He previously served as the Decatur Trades and Labor Assembly’s Vice President and has been an active delegate for more than 20 years. Under his leadership, Warner plans to cultivate labor partnerships, highlight the council’s role in the community, and encourage the region’s union members to be engaged in the political process.

“I am proud to lead the Mid-Illinois Labor Council as we bring workers and the broader community together,” said President Warner. “The council focuses on common goals around workplace safety, good-paying jobs, workers’ rights, and improving public policy. Our collective strategies are the key to unlocking a stronger labor movement for all workers.”

The Mid-Illinois Labor Council serves as the region’s Central Labor Council (CLC). Formerly known as the Decatur Trades and Labor Assembly, the council adopted its new regional name, Mid-Illinois Labor Council, in December 2025 as part of the AFL-CIO’s “Modernizing the Movement” initiative. The Mid-Illinois Labor Council now represents more than 10,000 union members across 5 counties: Macon, Piatt, Moultrie, Shelby, and Effingham.

The Illinois AFL-CIO is embracing the national AFL-CIO’s “Modernizing the Movement” initiative to better align its work around labor’s shared values at every level. Changes to Central Labor Council (CLC) jurisdictions will enable councils to more effectively mobilize union growth, launch inclusive and impactful political programs, advance strong legislative advocacy, and deepen community engagement. The newly formed Mid-Illinois Labor Council will be a stronger voice for working families in Central Illinois.

The adjacent East Central Illinois AFL-CIO, formerly the Champaign County AFL-CIO, swore in new officers last month after adopting their new name and adding several counties to their jurisdiction as part of the same initiative.

“The new officers of the Mid-Illinois Labor Council have all shown a deep commitment to improving their community through solidarity with other workers,” said Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea. “We are excited to watch President Warner and the Mid-Illinois Labor Council grow their presence across the region and create positive change for working families.”

Illinois’ 19 Central Labor Councils represent local unions in their communities and are closely connected with the issues and concerns of their members. Through grassroots organizing, the Mid-Illinois Labor Council will work hand-in-hand with community members, local unions, and elected officials to ensure that all working families are represented and have a meaningful voice in shaping the future.

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

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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. “As the Trump administration continues its assault on workers’ rights, these leaders show us that Illinois refuses to stand by. Now, more than ever, we must recognize and support the leaders here in Illinois who are pushing back on this anti-worker agenda and fighting tooth and nail to protect working people and defend their path to the middle-class.”

This year, the Illinois AFL-CIO recognized three powerful champions for organized labor in Illinois:

  • Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan, recipient of the Margaret Blackshere, Women in Leadership Award
  • State Senator Doris Turner, recipient of the Zeke Giorgi Award
  • Retired State Representative and IBEW 134 member Marty Moylan, recipient of the Reuben Soderstrom Award

“This year’s Labor Salutes is an opportunity to bring our elected leaders and organized labor together to showcase the strength and unity of our labor movement,” stated Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney. “At a time when chaos dominates Washington, these leaders are standing firm and proving why Illinois remains the home of the American labor movement. They are committed to bettering the lives of working families and know what it takes to build an economy that works for all Illinoisans — not just the wealthy.”

Award recipients are selected by the Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board, which evaluates public officials based on their commitment to organized labor and their record on supporting issues important to union members and working families in Illinois.

The Labor Salutes tradition began in 1994 when then-Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Blackshere presented the Zeke Giorgi award to State Representative Jim McPike at the Illinois AFL-CIO’s 30th Constitutional Convention. Today, the Illinois AFL-CIO represents over 1,500 affiliated unions and nearly 900,000 union members across the state.

Springfield & Central Illinois Trades & Labor Council Swears in New Leadership

Springfield, IL – Last night, Illinois AFL-CIO President and Springfield resident Tim Drea swore in 12 new officers of the Springfield & Central Illinois Trades & Labor Council, 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 newly elected officers include:

  • President: David Schultz, AFSCME Local 1019
  • Vice President: Josh Banks, IAFF Local 37
  • Secretary-Treasurer: Carolyn Franke, LIUNA Local 362
  • Sergeant at Arms: Hewitt Douglass, CBTU
  • Executive Board: Nick Yelverton, CWA Local 34071
  • Executive Board: Meredith Mahoney, AFSCME 1019
  • Executive Board: Rosetta Shinn, IBEW Local 21
  • Executive Board: Chad Ludwig, NALC Local 80
  • Executive Board: Brian Baskett, IW Local 46
  • Executive Board: Jenn Whalen, UIS-IFT Local 4100
  • Executive Board: Gina Darden, AFSCME Local 370
  • Executive Board: Andrew Spiro, IFPE 4408

“I’m honored to have been elected President of the Springfield & Central Illinois Trades & Labor Council. We have a great Executive Board, with members coming to us from several different unions, and we’relooking forward to working for the working people of central Illinois,” said President David Schultz. “As someone who was raised in a union family and who’s been involved with the labor movement throughout my life, I’m a strong believer in the power workers have when we join together like we do in the Trades & Labor Council. When we work together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.

“I’d like to thank outgoing SCITLC President Nick Yelverton and the rest of the outgoing Executive Board for all their tireless work over the past several years. They’ve made the Council stronger, brought unions together, and tirelessly advocated for working people,” continued Schultz. “We hope to continue the great work they’ve done to strengthen labor and improve the lives of working people in central Illinois.”

“On behalf of the Illinois AFL-CIO, I congratulate President Schultz and the new officers of the Springfield & Central Illinois Trades & Labor Council,” said Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea. “I look forward to watching them build on recent successes, advocate for working families in Central Illinois, and build solidarity across our community.”

With nearly one million union members in the state, Illinois’ 19 Central Labor Councils represent local unions in their communities and are closely connected with the issues and concerns of their members.Through grassroots organizing, the Springfield & Central Illinois Trades & Labor Council will work closely with community members, local unions, and elected officials to ensure that all working families are represented and have a voice.

Illinois AFL-CIO Remembers Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse Jackson

The Illinois labor movement mourns the passing of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in Illinois and Chicago politics whose lifelong commitment to the labor and civil rights movements leaves an enduring legacy.

Throughout his life, Rev. Jackson fought tirelessly for working people in Chicago, across Illinois, and throughout the country. He walked picket lines, stood with workers at the bargaining table, and championed the inclusion of women and people of color in the protections and promise of union membership.  He reminded us that the fight for good jobs, living wages, and the right to organize is inseparable from the broader struggle for justice and equality.

In his speech, “From A Tradition of Marching for Jobs and Rights,” delivered during his 1988 Presidential bid, Jackson said: “the American worker is not asking for welfare, he’s asking for a fair share—not for charity but for parity.”

Rev. Jackson’s words continue to resonate today, and we owe him our gratitude for his years of advocacy and fighting for a better world. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jackson family, and all those who are mourning this profound loss.

Together, we can honor his life by carrying forward his work as we fight for equality, fairness, dignity, and respect in every workplace.

East Central Illinois AFL-CIO “Modernizes the Movement”

Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney Swears In Nine New Officers

Champaign, IL – Last night, Champaign resident and Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney swore in the East Central Illinois AFL-CIO’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 newly elected officers include:

President- Luther Baker, IBEW Local 601
Vice President- Dave Beck, AFSCME Council 31
Treasurer- Zach Thomas, Painters Local 363
Recording Secretary- Erik Davis, Ironworkers 380
Member at Large- Krissy Webber, Roofers 97
Guardian- Josh Robertson, Carpenters Local 243
Trustee- Laura Abbott, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 149
Trustee- Elise Jones, IFT 4776
Trustee- Chelsea Birchmier, GEO 6300

President-elect Luther Baker is a journeyman member of IBEW 601 and state representative of the IBEW RENEW young workers initiative. Under his leadership, Baker plans to build deeper coalitions between the community and labor movement, highlight the council’s role in community service, and ensure that the region’s union members are actively engaged in the political process.

President Baker states, “The East Central Illinois AFL-CIO aims to be at the forefront for ‘Modernizing the Movement’ campaign spearheaded by the Illinois and National AFL-CIO. New leadership and a new jurisdiction presents an opportune moment to reach out to new communities and union members in the region. We are eager to welcome new union siblings into our labor council and work together to build a labor movement that works for everyone. Our time is now to pave the path for all to follow and fight for the working people who make East Central Illinois unions strong!”

The East Central Illinois AFL-CIO serves as the region’s Central Labor Council (CLC). Formerly known as the Champaign County AFL-CIO, the council adopted its new regional name, East Central Illinois AFL-CIO, in December 2025 as part of the AFL-CIO’s “Modernizing the Movement” initiative. The East Central Illinois AFL-CIO now represents 18,902 union members across 11 counties: Champaign, Vermillion, Iroquois, Ford, Douglas, Edgar, Coles, Cumberland, Clark, Jasper, and Crawford.

The Illinois AFL-CIO is embracing the national AFL-CIO’s “Modernizing the Movement” initiative to better align its work around labor’s shared values at every level. Changes to Central Labor Council (CLC) jurisdictions will enable councils to more effectively mobilize union growth, launch inclusive and impactful political programs, advance strong legislative advocacy, anddeepen community engagement. The newly formed East Central Illinois AFL-CIO will be a stronger voice for working families in Central Illinois.

“The labor movement is powered by its members, and tonight’s elections prove that East Central Illinois is ready to fight for an economy that works for all. This energy and momentum are undeniable,” said Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney. “We’re proud to stand with Luther as he brings new members into the movement, elevates young workers, and builds a labor council that represents all working families in the area.”

Illinois’ 19 Central Labor Councils represent local unions in their communities and are closely connected with the issues and concerns of their members. Through grassroots organizing, the East Central Illinois AFL-CIO will work hand-in-hand with community members, local unions, and elected officials to ensure that all working families are represented and have a meaningful voice in shaping the future.

Illinois AFL-CIO Issues Political Endorsements for 2026 Primary Election

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Countryside — Today, the Illinois AFL-CIO endorsed candidates for the March 2026 primary election, following the recommendations of more than 100 delegates from across the state at the Committee on Political Education (COPE) meeting in Countryside. Endorsements were confirmed by the Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board, and include candidates for statewide office, U.S. House, state legislature and judicial races.

“Illinois needs to remain a pro-labor bastion in the Midwest and ensure we are electing pro-labor candidates to protect middle-class wages, affordable health care, secure retirement and safety on the job,” stated Tim Drea, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO. “The Illinois AFL-CIO endorsement is one of the most coveted in state politics, and not something that union members take lightly. Our members are mobilized and fired up to ensure every voter understands it’s better in a union this election cycle.”

Endorsed candidates will receive the support of the Illinois AFL-CIO political program. Through canvassing, phone-banking, text-banking, and other direct voter contact, union volunteers communicate with 1.7 million union household members statewide about the issues that shape their lives and livelihoods. This robust mobilization paired with targeted mail and digital outreach to union households ensures that working families hear directly from those they trust most to talk about kitchen table economic issues. The Illinois AFL-CIO also equips affiliated unions with customized tools to reach their own members through tailored mail, text, email and more.

“Every year, the Illinois labor movement secures critical wins for working families,” said Pat Devaney, Secretary-Treasurer of the Illinois AFL-CIO. “However, these gains are fragile and can disappear with the stroke of a pen, and our members are ready to do whatever it takes to protect their hard-earned union rights. We’re looking forward to working with the candidates who understand the real difference unions make in our member’s lives and who are committed to building on our victories from Washington to Springfield.”

To earn an endorsement, candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to working families through their voting record and/or a completed candidate questionnaire. COPE delegates reflect the diversity of our state, representing workers from Chicago to Cairo and from public sector unions to building trades to manufacturing and hospitality.

The following candidates were endorsed by the Illinois AFL-CIO:

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.”