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 vastly underrepresented in the General Assembly.

Throughout her distinguished career, Leader Currie was a steadfast advocate for working people. A meticulous legislator and skilled debater, Currie was best known for her work to advance equity through the Earned Income Tax Credit and Equal Pay Act, expansion of funding for early childhood education, and her leadership to address sexual harassment and guarantee maternity leave in the workplace.

In partnership with Illinois AFL-CIO President Margaret Blackshere, Loretta Durbin, and others, Leader Currie also helped to organize the Illinois Women in Leadership Training Academy (IWILTA), which has since prepared generations of women—including union members—to run for public office.

Leader Currie’s legacy is one of principled leadership, lasting impact, and unwavering commitment to working families. She will be deeply missed, and Illinois is stronger because of her service.