Illinois State AFL-CIO

Four days until the Illinois General Assembly adjourns — and from now until midnight on May 31, it’s game on.

We’re fighting for:
➡️ An end to surveillance pricing
➡️ Fixing our unemployment system so excluded workers — including many of our most vulnerable and lowest-paid workers — finally get the support they deserve
➡️ Critical infrastructure improvements that create good, middle-class union jobs
➡️ Equitable housing that puts working families first

Follow along at ILGA.gov — and give us a wave if you see us running around the Capitol.

Earlier this month, the IAM Mechanics Local 701 Technician Training Center concluded Apprenticeship Week 2026 by graduating 29 technicians who successfully completed the program. These individuals will go on to become mechanics on our aircrafts, cars, trains and more.

IL AFL-CIO President TIm Drea kicked off the weekend with Governor Pritzker by celebrating another major milestone for Illinois workers and communities. The start of construction on the I-80 Des Plaines River bridge reminds us that Illinois is at its best when we invest in a highly trained union-represented workforce to deliver critical infrastructure improvements that Illinoisans rely on every day.

The Trump administration’s Department of Labor just officially prevented millions of working people from getting overtime pay.

Yet again, this admin sided with corporate greed over workers.

https://ow.ly/KabQ50Z1eNx

Another pre-apprentice has earned his way into a union as the result of the Climate Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) that we passed in 2021!

Judah Shelby has always been creative and enjoyed painting and creating. It’s why he took part in the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades 2024 pre-apprentice program, with an eye on joining Painters Local 363.

The local didn’t have openings after he graduated, but he persisted by getting a job in the industry to gain experience, and stayed in close contact with the union.

In May, the spot he had been waiting for opened up and he became a card carrying member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 363!! Congratulations, Judah!!!