Brothers and Sisters, I’ve shared with you at district meetings and Local 150 events that I’m a big fan of history. Understanding the past offers perspective and can be useful when trying to solve current and future problems.
You’ll most likely be reading this right around the 4th of July, a day that commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining why the 13 original U.S. colonies were free, united, and independent from Britain. So much was on the line if America lost the Revolution, but the men who signed the Declaration of Independence decided the risk had to be taken.
In a tough negotiation season, such as we have had, celebrating the success of those who took that risk almost 250 years ago is a good reminder to all of us. When the stakes are high, and you are doing what is in the best interest of working men and women, the fight is always worth the risk.
IUOE Local 150 took that same mentality this negotiation season. We’ve made significant progress, but we still have more work to do. I’d like to call attention to some of the agreements that stand out by starting with last month’s Ratification Meeting held on Sunday, June 9 at the Training Center in Wilmington, Illinois. Nearly 3,000 Local 150 members were in attendance and voted unanimously in favor of the agreements for Districts 1-2-3 and 5 Heavy-Highway- Underground and Building.
The negotiated three-year, Districts 1-2-3 and 5 Heavy- Highway-Underground and Building Agreements with MARBA, Excavators, Inc., the Contractors Association of Will and Grundy Counties, Illinois Valley Contractors Association, and CAICA helped us make up for inflation over the last three years, anticipate future inflation rates, while giving members a wage increase. Together, Local 150 and the members got the job done and ensured that billions of dollars worth of work continued without interruption. Thanks to all our members who were able to be there. If you were unable to attend the meeting and have questions, please reach out to your Business Agent for details.
I’ve mentioned this negotiation season has been particularly tough due to the sheer number of contracts up at one time. As a recap, I’ll quickly list how much additional work has been done to fight for our members.
Some of the first agreements out of the gates that set the bar high were our rental shop agreements, which include United Rental, Sunbelt Rentals, Herc Rentals (not yet ratified), and a number of others. Negotiations for several rental shop agreements are ongoing. Local 150 recently reached a tentative agreement with Alta, and also secured agreements with newly organized shops. We look forward to sharing details regarding the agreements at a later date.
We’ve also completed agreements for Surveyors and Technical Employees, the Diving Addendum and Great Lakes Floating Agreement, and several stand-alone agreements for material producers and more. Our 28 crane barn rental agreements in Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 have been completed and have added in allowances and measures that protect our members to the greatest extent ever seen.
Other major contracts now ratified include the Indiana Highway, Heavy, & Railroad Construction Agreement (ICILRD) (10-County) (HHU); and Northern Indiana Independent Contractors Group (NIICG) (14-County) (Master HHU). We also have reached tentative agreements for Republic Service, as well as Landscaping.
All of these agreements are significant wins for our members, with some of the best contracts for unions in North America. When fighting for every job, we ensure our members earn a fair wage and receive good benefits so that members can support a family.
Looking ahead, we must stay vigilant and proactive in addressing the evolving needs of the various industries we represent. This means not only pushing for fair contracts and safe working conditions, but also advocating for policies that support long-term stability and growth. Our efforts in Springfield, Chicago, and cities and townships across Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa are a testament to our dedication to safeguarding the interests of our members. We are consistently present to ensure that our voice is heard at every level of government.
Local 150 had a number of reasons to watch closely the end of the Legislative session in Springfield. Topping the list was hands down the disbursement of the road fund money. Historically, the road fund balance would be around $1.6 billion. However, at the end of May, it was at $5 billion. During discussions about how to spend down the funds, the governor’s office attempted to move $200 million in expenses from the State’s general revenue fund and put it on the road fund to cover public transportation costs. This would have been ongoing, each year. However, with our team of Marc Poulos and Dave Sullivan in Springfield, they worked long into Memorial Day weekend to protect funds secured through the lockbox. They were successful in beating back this effort in perpetuity. The funds were moved one time; however, a provision was put in to limit the expenditure this year requiring it to come from mass transit funds that already exist within the road fund. Therefore, there was no loss to road fund money.
After the budget passed and the session ended, the Governor and IDOT announced a $41.42 billion infrastructure program set to roll out over the next six years, covering all transportation modes in every county. The program is focused on modernizing infrastructure, boosting economic opportunities, and enhancing safety and quality of life. The plan includes $29.65 billion for roads and bridges, $11.77 billion for other modes like transit and rail, and spans all 102 counties. Key for Local 150 members is the program will improve thousands of miles of roads and bridges, with a focus on both the I-290 project and the I-55 corridor. This level of funding ensures our members will have work for many years to come.
I’d also like to highlight the work our Financial Secretary has been doing with the Indiana State Legislature. Dave Fagan has made it a legislative priority to better monitor projects, such as large-scale solar farms, to ensure they employ local workers versus bringing in outof- state workers. He continues to work toward amending Indiana’s “right-to-work” laws; and Dave has successfully beat back a proposed law to make responsible bidder ordinances unlawful in the last two legislative cycles and will continue to be on guard if it comes up again. He also has had success with pushing for more stringent measures for those who violate the Work Zone Safety Laws, legislation that protects workers from speeding motorist.
Our advocacy efforts extend beyond our union; they impact the broader labor movement and contribute to a better life for working men and women across the country. We do this not for immediate results, but to ensure there is return in the long run. Creating opportunities for future work stabilizes our workforce.
When the stakes are as high as they have been this season, I’m proud to say that our officers, business agents, and staff know there is nothing more important than the fight to always improve working conditions for each of you, our members.
This holiday, celebrate that we have freedom, independence, and the right to be a part of the best union in the country. Have a safe and happy 4th of July.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall.