Brothers and Sisters,
In the ever-changing landscape of labor and infrastructure, the significance of unions remains crucial. As Local 150 addresses the challenges and opportunities presented in 2025, we advocate for initiatives that promote economic growth and sustainability throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. Our efforts range from advancing essential pipeline projects to revitalizing a strong public transit system. At Local 150, our capacity to collaborate with other unions allows us to make a substantial impact. We are making meaningful progress, and I want to take a moment to shed light on the vital role our work is having in strengthening the backbone of our state economies.
Out of the gate, it’s important to share news with Local 150 members of the decision made by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) at the end of February to reinstate and accelerate the Chicago natural gas pipe replacement work known as the Safety Modernization Program (SMP). The reinstatement of the SMP requires the repair and replacement of over 1,100 miles of pipeline infrastructure over the next ten years. Previously, the program managed to repair approximately 50 miles each year. However, with renewed focus and resources, this effort will more than double to 110 miles annually. This enhancement not only ensures the safety and reliability of the pipeline network, but also boosts local employment opportunities.
There is satisfaction knowing we went in to battle for our members to get back these vital jobs and won. Equally important is our commitment to preventing bureaucrats from imposing a political agenda aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions by solely shifting everything to the electric grid. Like I’ve shared, Local 150 has consistently supported renewable energy initiatives to promote a cleaner environment. However, we will not overlook poorly designed plans that could jeopardize the safety, stability, and reliability of our energy system, ultimately creating a situation that would mean hard-working men and women would end up shouldering the burden of these actions in the long run.
Achieving this success required significant dedication of effort, strategy, time, and resources. While there were numerous actions and initiatives implemented between November 2023 and February 2025 that contributed to our positive results, I want to provide an overview of the collaborative work done by Local 150, IIIFFC, and other locals to reach this milestone.
After putting the SMP on hold back in November of 2023, Local 150 immediately took on the fight to restart this critical work, as well as challenge the short-sighted ban on natural gas. We launched a significant marketing campaign worth nearly $2 million, which spanned broadcast, cable, and social media, with two commercials. These ads ran for six weeks and sparked a response from the Illinois Governor’s Office, which spent millions of dollars to claim that the ads were sponsored by natural gas companies.
The effectiveness of the commercials was not based solely on response ads. Local 150 was notified one of the commercials called “Ticking Time Bomb” was recognized with The Reed award for Best TV Ad in Public Affairs Campaign or Issue Advocacy – Infrastructure. Local 150 will continue our efforts, knowing that our voice is being heard and making a difference. In every fight, we will always utilize every tool at our disposal to advocate for the needs of our members and to safeguard the future of this union.
An essential strategy in combating the political movement to prohibit the use of natural gas has been forming alliances with others. Local 150 joined the Clean Energy Choice Coalition (CECC) to oppose a movement banning natural gas use, especially during the Chicago City Council’s consideration of the Clean and Affordable Building Ordinance (CABO). This ordinance aimed to prohibit natural gas connections in new constructions, citing false health risks linked to natural gas combustion, which the World Health Organization later discredited. Local 150 strongly opposed CABO and sought support from Chicago Aldermen.
Last May, we ran two separate one-day campaigns with full page ads and digital takeovers in the Chicago Sun-Times to share an Op-Ed signed by 31 Chicago aldermen, the number of Aldermen has since increased, showing two-thirds of City Council agreed that a ban on natural gas in new construction wasn’t the right move for Chicago. Eventually, the Ordinance was sent to the Rules Committee where it has remained.
Similar legislation was then put forth in Springfield called the Clean and Healthy Buildings Act. This legislation again focused on phasing out the burning of methane gas in homes and businesses. Due to our work with the CECC and the traction gained in Chicago, legislators had little interest in moving this bill forward.
Local 150 engaged in Future of Natural Gas Workshops to support the role of natural gas in Illinois’ energy future. The workshops primarily focused on banning natural gas, neglecting a comprehensive view of all energy sources. Additionally, numerous meetings with the Governor’s Office and ICC members were crucial in helping them gain an understanding of our opposition to stopping the SMP and the importance of natural gas to truly reach a net-zero carbon emissions.
In September, to maintain momentum while the CABO ordinance was in the Rules Committee, Local 150 and others sent mailers to every ward, indicating aldermen’s stances on the ordinance. This action influenced several aldermen to withdraw support for CABO, ultimately ensuring it lacked majority backing in the City Council. Currently, the City of Chicago appears to be attempting to incorporate this electrified initiative into their Green Social Housing for mixed-income housing, with further developments expected.
This past fall, Local 150 and IIIFFC observed Illinois counties, cities, and municipalities, such as Will County, Evanston, and Naperville, proposing ordinances to phase out natural gas in new construction. Our work along with the CECC are addressing these initiatives individually and achieving success such as with Evanston in halting them. Updates will follow as more local governments consider similar ordinances.
Local 150 advocates for lifting the natural gas ban while promoting renewable energy initiatives. By bridging traditional and renewable sources, the union aims to create a sustainable energy future that benefits the environment, economy, and workforce.
As energy debates evolve, Local 150 remains a vocal and proactive participant, emphasizing the need for informed and balanced policy decisions that secure energy independence and economic growth for Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. The effort underscores the limitations of the current electric grid capacity and the reopening of nuclear plants, such as Three Mile Island, to meet energy demands due to increased power needs from Data Centers being built across all states.
In parallel, renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and geothermal, are gaining momentum, particularly in Indiana Districts 6 and 7. These initiatives emphasize the importance of expanding green energy infrastructure. Consequently, there was a pressing need to open applications for the Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice Program, aiming to train a new generation of workers to support these sustainable projects.
Applications for District 6 are now open through May 1. If you’re in Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Marshall, Noble, or St. Joseph Counties in Indiana, this is your chance to start a rewarding career as an operating engineer. Interested applicants should go to the Local 150 District 6 Union Hall.
Another successful implemented strategy of collaboration for progress is in public transportation. Local 150 has partnered with the Labor Alliance for Public Transportation (LAPT), a coalition of 30 local unions. LAPT has proposed legislation to tackle the impending Illinois public transportation fiscal cliff of $270 million. If a resolution is not found by May 31, substantial cuts to budgets, jobs, and train and bus schedules will impact millions of Illinois residents.
This funding shortfall poses a threat to the sustainability and growth of public transit systems, making it essential to take immediate action to secure necessary funding and prevent service interruptions. The proposed legislation has so far received a positive response, and we will keep you updated on how the state addresses these fiscal challenges and makes strategic investments in infrastructure and workforce development. Critical to this issue is that Local 150 opposes the use of the Road Tax Funds for public transportation funding shortfalls and emphasizes the need for sustainable funding sources to ensure an efficient system for Illinois.
Even with all our efforts, there is still more work to do. Our successes are not a signal to retreat, but a confirmation to charge forward. Local 150 will confront every challenge head-on, because we have learned that persistence paves the path to victory after victory.
Thank you for all who joined us at our St. Patrick’s Day Parades. We had a fantastic turnout, and it was wonderful to see so many of our members, families, and supporters come together to celebrate our community. The parade was a great display of union pride. Your participation showcased the strength and solidarity of Local 150 to the wider public. We look forward to more events where we can gather and continue to build the community that supports what we all work so hard for each day. Have a great work season.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall.