Illinois State AFL-CIO

Juneteenth is labor history.

After emancipation, newly freed African Americans entered the workforce and faced a new fight: winning a fair day's pay for a fair day's work.

Excluded from the founding of the National Labor Union, Black workers organized the Colored National Labor Union in 1869 and built power of their own.

From the very beginning of the American labor movement, African Americans have been at the forefront of the fight for dignity, justice, and workers' rights.

Almost 101 years ago, following the Pullman Strike, companies used court injunctions to declare strikes illegal.

Republican Len Small signed the anti-injunction bill on June 19, 1925, making it illegal to issue court injunctions during non-violent strikes. The bill passed the Illinois House on June 10, 1925, by a three-vote margin. The bill's sponsor was State Representative and future Illinois AFL President Reuben Soderstrom.

Photo of Governor Lennington ("Len") Small (1862-1936).

Decisions, decisions, decisions… 🤔

Meanwhile, union members are over here with better paychecks, health care, job security, dignity at work… and all the other perks of not getting steamrolled at work.

How has being in a union made your life better?

At 24 years old, Abbi Donovan "felt stuck" working "odd jobs" in Chicago — from the golf course to acting and waitressing -- all without health insurance. She knew she would be kicked off her parents healthcare plan in two years and need to take action -- that's when she joined the IUPAT. Today, Abbi has healthcare, earns a great living, and loves her job -- likening it to a big puzzle and arts and crafts project.

Full article here: https://people.com/24-year-old-gets-blue-collar-job-makes-six-figures-exclusive-11973701

“Remember those that lose their lives on the job and never forget them.”

Powerful words from NALC Branch 11 President Elise Foster, who was joined in conversation with Keith Hill, ATU Local 241 President, at the 2026 Convention panel on worker health and safety.

Delegates from Illinois attended the AFL-CIO Convention in Minneapolis this week, where many of our leaders shared their wins and struggles with union members from across the country. Together, we are fighting for a future that works for ALL working people.

Through organizing and solidarity, Rockford Casino Workers United has ensured good union jobs uplift their entire community - Rockford United Labor President Sara Dorner highlighted their hard-fought wins today at the AFL-CIO Convention.

The Illinois Pride at Work executive board traveled to Minneapolis for the national conference! What started in 2024 as a scrappy band of two volunteers is now growing into a thriving statewide chapter. Thank you, AFL-CIO President Shuler, for standing with LGBTQ+ workers and reminding us that LGBTQ+ rights are workers rights.

Today, President Tim Drea spoke at the AFL-CIO Convention about Union P.O.W.E.R.. You can commit to help protect the vote, organize, win crucial races, engage and mobilize voters right now at: https://betterinaunion.org/unionpower