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.
