UPDATE – March 7, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2025
Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]
LOCAL 150 REACHES TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH VILLAGE OF MIDLOTHIAN
COUNTRYSIDE, IL (March 7, 2025) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa whose members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries including over 3,000 members working in the Public Sector, announces that a tentative agreement has been reached with the Village of Midlothian. This agreement comes after a series of mediation sessions aimed at addressing the concerns of Local 150-represented employees and ensuring fair wages for our members.
Local 150 appreciates the Village’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. The commitment to a fair contract reflects the dedication of both parties to prioritize the well-being of the community and the employees who serve it.
Local 150 representatives have consistently advocated for the interests of their members, and this tentative agreement marks a significant step forward in the mediation process. By reaching a tentative agreement, both parties have demonstrated a commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with the well-being of employees, who are integral to the day-to-day operations and safety of the community.
Local 150 believes that this agreement will not only resolve current disputes, but also pave the way to reestablish the relationship with the Village in the future. By promoting an environment of trust and cooperation, we can ensure that any challenges are addressed promptly and effectively, preventing disruptions and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
While the details of the agreement have been shared with Local 150 members, which have been reviewed and ratified, the tentative agreement will be voted on by the Village Board next Wednesday. We are confident that this tentative agreement will lead to a swift resolution and restore normalcy for our members and the residents of Midlothian.
Local 150 is grateful for the support from the community throughout this process. Many of our members are also residents of the Village, and their solidarity has been instrumental in advocating for a fair contract.
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ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay. Most recently, Local 150 championed The Worker’s Rights Amendment in 2022, ensuring constitutional protection for all Illinois workers to join a union.
UPDATE – March 3, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2025
Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]
LOCAL 150 MEMBERS CONTINUE TO STRIKE DUE TO VILLAGE OF MIDLOTHIAN’S LACK OF A DECISION-MAKER AT THE BARGAINING TABLE
COUNTRYSIDE, IL (March 3, 2025) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa whose members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries including over 3,000 members working in the Public Sector, is disappointed with the outcome of today’s mediation session with the Village of Midlothian as no final decision could be made due to lack of appropriate personnel at the bargaining table.
Similar to the previous session held on February 24th, the Union was prepared to engage in discussions for as long as necessary to mediate a fair contract. The Union presented a fair offer; however, the Village’s bargaining team once again concluded the session prematurely, citing the absence of a decision-maker on their team. This marks the second instance in which the Village of Midlothian has demonstrated a concerning lack of commitment to the mediation process by failing to ensure that a decision-maker is present at critical mediation sessions.
This repeated oversight not only stalls progress, but also signals a disregard for the urgency of reaching a fair and equitable contract. Local 150 has consistently shown its willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, making concessions and proposing numerous opportunities to meet and resolve the disputes. Yet, the Village’s reluctance to provide an authorized negotiator highlights a troubling disinterest in fulfilling its obligations to both its employees and Midlothian residents. This inability to finalize a contract through mediations, as well as allowing the contract to lapse for 10 months, is not just a procedural hiccup, but a significant barrier to ensuring the well-being and safety of the Midlothian community. It is imperative that the Village leadership reassess its approach and commits to a constructive mediation process that prioritizes the interests of all stakeholders involved.
Consequently, Local 150-represented employees are still on strike due to the Village’s failure to provide a decision-maker at the bargaining table. Residents of the Village of Midlothian should be concerned about the actions of their Village leaders given the next mediation session is not set to occur until Friday, March 7th.
As incidents such as water main breaks and other hazards increase, the Mayor and Trustees of Midlothian bear responsibility for every potential risk posed to residents. Local 150 is dedicated to achieving a resolution that serves the interests of both employees and the community. We will continue to highlight these issues in the hope that the Village will be motivated to reconvene at the bargaining table with a sincere intent to reach a fair agreement that protects both our members and the interests of the community.
Local 150 remains grateful for the overwhelming support from the community, recognizing that many of our members both work and reside in the Village. Together, we stand united in advocating for fair contracts for Village employees.
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ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay. Most recently, Local 150 championed The Worker’s Rights Amendment in 2022, ensuring constitutional protection for all Illinois workers to join a union.
UPDATE – February 25, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2025
Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]
RESPONSE FROM LOCAL 150 REGARDING INACCURACIES IN VILLAGE OF MIDLOTHIAN’S STATEMENT
COUNTRYSIDE, IL (February 25, 2025) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa whose members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries including over 3,000 members working in the Public Sector, issued a response statement regarding the Village of Midlothian’s press release shared today, February 25, 2025.
Local 150 would like to clarify several inaccuracies in Mayor Gary L’Heureux’s recent statement regarding the ongoing mediation and the strike involving the Village of Midlothian public works employees represented by Local 150.
First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that the union has not “walked away” from the bargaining table. Instead, Local 150 has been committed to advocating for the rights and safety of our members while seeking a fair resolution. As stated in the previous Local 150 press release shared on February 24th, the parties met on Friday, February 21st with a Federal Mediator for a mediation session. The Union was ready to continue mediation as long as needed to reach a fair contract. The Union offered a substantial concession. However, it was the Village’s bargaining team that abandoned mediation, indicating they did not have someone at the table who was authorized to finalize a deal. It was the Union that made the effort to continue mediation by proposing several dates to meet throughout this week. However, the Village declined and stated it would need to wait until Monday, March 3rd.
The Village understood that a letter of intent to strike had been issued on February 12. Their failure to remain at the bargaining table to work through mediations to finalize a contract that was already 10 months past its expiration date left public works employees no other option but to strike. Sending a bargaining team not authorized to finalize a contract indicates the Village of Midlothian was willing to risk the safety of its community. For that, they are liable for every drop of water lost and every potential hazard posed to residents. The union’s commitment to engaging in meaningful mediations has been unwavering, and it is regrettable that we still do not have a contract. We hope that by shedding light on these issues, the Village will be encouraged to return to mediation with genuine intent to reach a fair agreement that safeguards both our members and the community’s interests.
The assertion that Local 150 is negotiating in the media is deceptive. The Union has consistently engaged in good faith mediations and has prioritized discussions with the Village, so much so that Local 150 has proposed multiple dates and solutions to move the mediation forward. Despite these efforts, the Village’s reluctance to engage meaningfully in the process has stalled progress. Local 150 remains committed to finding a resolution that benefits both the employees and the community, and it calls upon the Village of Midlothian to return to the table with a willingness to complete the mediation earnestly. The Union has shared details about the strike to keep the public informed on how Village leadership has handled the contract mediation process. The Village opted not to renegotiate a contract, which has placed the entire community at risk for the past ten months. Local 150 has been transparent in communicating the challenges faced during these mediations, emphasizing the importance of public awareness in holding leadership accountable. It is imperative that the Village leadership acknowledges the urgency of resolving this matter to ensure stability and security for both employees and residents.
Regarding the water main break, it is crucial to note that the situation was not and will never solely be the responsibility of Union members. The Village has allowed their employees to knowingly work under a contract that lapsed 10 months ago. This oversight reflects a broader issue of neglecting the urgency of solidifying a new agreement. By failing to prioritize contract discussions, the Village has placed its employees in an uncertain position, undermining their job security and morale. It’s crucial that the Village acknowledges the dedication of its workforce and commits to resolving these mediations promptly. Securing a fair contract is not just about wages; it’s about recognizing the dedication of these employees to their community. Local 150 remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving a resolution that honors the contributions of its members and protects their rights.
We understand the urgency of maintaining safe drinking water for the residents of Midlothian and have always been dedicated to that goal. Our members take their responsibilities seriously, and any allegations of negligence are unfounded. Furthermore, we very much appreciate the support of the public.
Local 150 believes Mayor Gary L’Heureux is either not being briefed properly by his bargaining team or is actively sharing misinformation to confuse Village residents. The Union calls upon the Village of Midlothian to prioritize the welfare of both its employees and Midlothian residents by completing mediations. Local 150 urges Mayor L’Heureux to engage in transparent and respectful dialogue rather than casting blame, which does not contribute to a resolution.
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ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay. Most recently, Local 150 championed The Worker’s Rights Amendment in 2022, ensuring constitutional protection for all Illinois workers to join a union.
February 24, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2025
Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]
LOCAL 150 STRIKES THE VILLAGE OF MIDLOTHIAN FOR ALLEGATIONS OF AN UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE
COUNTRYSIDE, IL (February 24, 2025) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa whose members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries including over 3,000 members working in the Public Sector, is on strike against the Village of Midlothian to protest an unfair labor practice charge. As of Sunday, February 23, Local 150-represented employees engaged in a lawful strike, arising from an alleged violation of Section 10(a)(1) of the Illinois Public Sector Labor Relations Act by the Village. The Union plans to file an additional unfair labor practice charge today in response to a threat made by the Village’s employee to fire any employees who walked out on strike.
On February 12, IUOE Local 150 filed a charge with the Illinois Labor Relations Board, asserting that the Village engaged in a ULP. The purpose of this notice was to notify the Village it’s employees would strike after a mandatory five-day notice period had elapsed, marking a significant moment in the ongoing labor dispute between Local 150 and the Village.
Following the letter of intent to strike, the Village rebutted they have a no strike clause in the contract, and indicated they would terminate employees that engage in strike activities. The Local 150-represented employees’ strike will not be in violation of the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act (“Act”) or the parties’ collective bargaining agreement. Section 17(a) of the Act sets forth five elements that must be satisfied before Illinois public employees may strike. Notably, Section 17(a)(2) provides that public employees are permitted to strike only if… “the collective bargaining agreement between the public employer and the public employees, if any, has expired, or such collective bargaining agreement does not prohibit the strike…” The disjunctive “or” is of particular importance in interpreting the statute, since the Union need only establish one of the two conditions to render lawful its impending strike.
The Village noted the presence of a broad no strike clause in the parties’ contract, but failed to acknowledge the contract expired nearly ten months ago, on April 30, 2024. Under the plain language of the Act, the expiration of the contract renders the Union’s impending strike lawful, notwithstanding the presence of the no strike clause in the expired contract.
The Village also suggested that the Union’s strike will not be lawful since mediation has not been “used” prior to the strike. Specifically, it was asserted, “Although the Mediator has proposed dates for such mediations, none has yet been scheduled.” The Village’s assertion was false.
On January 23, 2025, the parties met with Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) Commissioner Brenda Pryor. At the outset of the session, Commissioner Pryor reviewed the ground rules for mediation; she then proceeded to meet separately with each party. At the end of the session, the parties selected dates for the next session. During the January 23rd mediation session, the Village and the Union both made oral proposals; later that same the Mediator and counsel for the Village were sent a written document from Local 150 that memorialized the terms of the Union’s oral proposal.
On Friday, February 21, the parties met again with the Commissioner Rosa Tiscareno for a mediation session. The Union was ready to sit at the bargaining table for as long as needed to negotiate a fair contract. However, following the Union’s last offer, the Village ended the session for the day. In an effort to continue negotiations the Union proposed several dates to meet throughout the week of February 24th. Unfortunately, the next meeting date is not scheduled until next Monday, March 3rd.
Local 150 representatives have emphasized that their members are striking not only to address the alleged unfair labor practice, but also to advocate for a fair and equitable contract.
The strike could impact various public services, as Local 150-represented employees are an integral part of the Village’s workforce. The union calls upon community members to understand the necessity of this action and to support their efforts in achieving a fair resolution.
Local 150 remains open to dialogue and hopes that the Village will take this opportunity to address the concerns raised, ensuring a swift and amicable resolution to the ongoing dispute. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay. Most recently, Local 150 championed The Worker’s Rights Amendment in 2022, ensuring constitutional protection for all Illinois workers to join a union.
February 12, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2025
Contact: Kristine Kavanagh
(773) 620-9037
[email protected]
LOCAL 150 ANNOUNCES INTENT TO STRIKE FOLLOWING UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE ALLEGATION AGAINST THE VILLAGE OF MIDLOTHIAN
COUNTRYSIDE, IL (February 12, 2025) – The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa whose members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, announced the Village of Midlothian’s Local 150-represented employees have officially stated their intention to strike, arising from an alleged violation of Section 10(a)(1) of the Illinois Public Sector Labor Relations Act by the Village. Earlier today, IUOE Local 150 filed a charge with the Illinois Labor Relations Board, asserting that the Village has engaged in an unfair labor practice.
Following the fulfillment of necessary legal requirements outlined in Section 17(a) of the Illinois Public Sector Labor Relations Act, 5 ILCS 315/17(a), this strike is set to commence after a mandatory five-day notice period has elapsed, marking a significant moment in the ongoing labor dispute between Local 150 and the Village.
Local 150 representatives have emphasized that their members are striking not only to address the alleged unfair labor practice, but also to advocate for a fair and equitable contract. Key demands include wages and insurance.
The strike could impact various public services, as Local 150-represented employees are an integral part of the Village’s workforce. The union calls upon community members to understand the necessity of this action and to support their efforts in achieving a fair resolution.
Local 150 remains open to dialogue and hopes that the Village will take this opportunity to address the concerns raised, ensuring a swift and amicable resolution to the ongoing dispute. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay. Most recently, Local 150 championed The Worker’s Rights Amendment in 2022, ensuring constitutional protection for all Illinois workers to join a union.