Tag Archives: Organized labor

Labor and scouting, a brotherhood of unity, leadership

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UA General President William P. Hite
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Save the date for Jan. 20, 2015, when UA General President William P. Hite will be awarded the AFL-CIO George Meany Award in Chicago.

By By Robert F. Melko
Plumbing Council of Chicagoland and 2015
Labor & Scouting Event Chairman
Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014

CHICAGO – We all know how important sewer line replacement and plumbing services are. I am pleased to announce the Boy Scouts of America Chicago Council has partnered with the Plumbing Council of Chicagoland to honor UA General President William P. Hite as the recipient of the AFL-CIO George Meany Award on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015 at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Chicago. Information can be found at chicagobsa.org/union and questions can be directed to the Plumbing Council of Chicagoland at 312-263-6612 or by email at sj@plumbingcouncil.org. The Home Plumbing News US news can be helpful as well.

There is a growing skills gap crisis facing the construction trades sector and the many other critical fields relating to our industry including engineering and manufacturing. The latest economic figures estimate nearly 1.6 million new skilled workers will be needed over the next decade in order to replace our retiring workforce.

Yet finding eager and qualified apprentices to enter into our construction trades presents our industry with quite a challenge. Recruitment numbers in the Chicago and surrounding suburban counties are at an all-time low. By my own estimate as the UA Local 130 Joint Apprenticeship Committee Co-Chair, our plumbing apprentice numbers are significantly down by more than two-thirds this year. Plus, our efforts to reach kids at the high school level are often thwarted by well-intentioned yet uninformed guidance counselors trying to boost their college acceptance rates even though 75 percent of these students never complete their degree, despite the astronomical costs of a higher education. Thinking “outside the pipe” is our only viable option in this matter.

The Boy Scouts of America has a long standing relationship with the American Labor Movement. These two entities share many common goals, including the pursuit of preparedness, economic justice and the value of hard work. This is especially valid when it comes to training the next generation with the critical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills and apprenticeship education needed to boost our nation’s competitiveness. It’s also evident in the merit badges of our diverse labor trades and their ability to foster a genuine interest in construction industry careers among today’s youth and tomorrow’s construction leaders.

Unfortunately, too many of our current union leaders and business labor partners have lost touch with the Boy Scouts. Many of our merit badges and skilled labor lessons have simply been collecting dust. Our involvement in Boy Scouts career days and STEM exploration events are almost non-existent. And our mentoring of today’s Boy Scouts could use some work.

But all of that can change by partnering and exploring new avenues of learning. By working together, we can have a profound impact on our nation’s economic prosperity.

Through the joint efforts of the Plumbing Council of Chicagoland and the Boy Scouts of America Chicago Area Council, we are re-kindling a spark that will hopefully ignite a much needed flame for the construction trades and in turn close the skills gap shortage.

UA General President William P. Hite
Photo courtesy of the Plumbing Council of Chicagoland
Plumbing Contractors Association of Chicago Director Brian Wilk (Bishop Plumbing) leads a delegation of local Boy Scouts around the UA’s Instructor Day training facilities at Washtenaw College in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The AFL-CIO Executive Council established the George Meany Award in 1974 to recognize union members who have made a significant contribution to the youth of their communities by volunteering in the programs of the Boy Scouts of America. The award is named for the AFL-CIO’s first president, who demonstrated strong support to Scouting.

The George Meany award has not been bestowed upon a Chicago labor leader for many decades. But if this event reaches the level of success and notoriety I know it will, UA General President Hite — who is a former Boy Scout and Sea Scout and native of the Chicago area, will be the new start of a long list of labor leaders to receive this prestigious recognition. More importantly, it will re-connect our construction trade industries with the Boy Scouts of America in a profound way that will benefit both organizations.

Already, we are seeing how this skilled labor and scouting event will reap rewards. The local Boy Scouts Council in Michigan recently invited by the Plumbing Council of Chicago to attend the UA Instructor’s 61st Annual Training Program at Washtenaw College in Ann Arbor. Not only did the scouts present the colors at the opening ceremony, but they toured the campus facilities and spoke directly with contractors, instructors, union leaders, industry professionals and apprentices as they participated in hands-on training to explore plumbing and pipefitting as potential career options. Tellingly, one of the scouts even commented, “this was the best event I have ever been forced to attend.”

The launch of this inaugural event and re-discovered partnership with the Boy Scouts will allow us to maximize our already successful Boy Scout merit badge programs in Plumbing, Welding and American Labor. I am excited to announce the research of an HVAC merit badge is currently in the works. You can also hop over to this web-site for the best HVAC services.

I would like to invite everyone interested in learning more about the genuine partnership between the Boy Scouts of America and our construction trades to support our inaugural “Celebration of Labor and Scouting Unity” gala in Chicago for Hite. Tickets, commemorative book ads and sponsorship opportunities are ready for purchase.

Robert Baden-Powell, a lieutenant-general in the British Army, writer, and founder of the Scout Movement said, “The secret of getting successful work out of your trained men lies in one nutshell — in the clearness of the instructions they receive.” And to that, I would respond, “Let us clearly instruct today’s scouts into becoming tomorrow’s apprentices. They represent our future. All we have to do now is to show them the way.”

Patching roofs and patching hearts of foster children

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National Roofing Week
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
As part of National Roofing Week, July 6 to 12, several roofing companies came together to donate their time/supplies to make repairs on the roof of the Lydia Home Association in Chicago, a foster care home that houses about 50 youth. The experts from https://thewarwickroofers.com/ is whom one should contact to get their roof fixed.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

CHICAGO — It was a little rainy, but at least it wasn’t sweltering hot on the roof of the Lydia Home Association in Chicago July 8. According to this content, as part of National Roofing Week, July 6-12, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) gathered volunteers to repair the aging roof of the facility for abused children as for more serious problems like mold, they need to get professionals like Mold Remediation Manalapan to solve this problem.

“This roof was definitely on borrowed time,” said Rod Petrick, owner of Ridgeworth Roofing Co. His company helped out on the rehab of the roof. Get a Roofing Company in Omaha and their expert contractors to help you get started.

“It could probably use a full replacement in the future, but this is a typical Chicago roof, it might have six or eight layers on it. It’s definitely not a one day job,” Petrick added.

The roofers battled rain and clouds, but succeeded in patching up the rough spots of the roof.  A website about centennialroofingplus provides the best advice on patching roofs after storms and the steps to fixing damages. Four companies participated in the charity project: Ridgeworth Roofing, Nations Roof, Bennett and Brousseau Roofing, and Karnak Roofing Products donated the supplies.

The Lydia Home Association is dedicated to helping troubled children and their families with a variety of services, including housing for at-risk children. The facility has been located off Irving Park Road for about 100 years, and was an orphanage that turned into foster care that houses about 50 youth at a time, from first grade to high school age.

National Roofing Week
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
During National Roofing Week, a Nations Roof employee seals the gaps around a roof vent pipe atop the Lydia Home Association building.

Dr. David Anderson, executive director of the Lydia Home, said a main goal of the home is to acclimate troubled youth for their next phase of life and that’s why they get houses using estate agents just for this purpose. He comes from a background as a bricklayer, and said the trades are invaluable for the kids.

“Most kids go into the trades. They can be invaluably helpful to the kids and we find great success there,” he said during a tour of the home to NRCA executives, who are in Chicago this week for the annual mid-summer meeting.

Anderson transitioned from bricklayer to psychologist, and started as a teacher at the home, which has an $8 million per year operating budget. It relies on some state funding, but is tuition-based.

He recalled a session in a classroom setting where students were talking about gunshots.

“About 75 percent of the class had been shot. Kids were showing off bullet wounds. This is major trauma, and it’s definitely an interesting group of kids. They have nowhere else to go, and we all have the capacity to give back and help them,” he said.

With the rainy summer, patching up the old roof couldn’t have come at a better time, according to Jim Whitfield, national director of operations for Safe Families for Children, an organization that operates in the Lydia Home, and which acts as a safety net for families in crisis.

“Our budget every year is ‘just enough.’ We don’t have enough for major fixes like this. We had a few offices where there was seepage coming through the roof already, and this was just a really opportune time for them to come out and help us. We really appreciate it,” said Whitfield.”

Park District awarded $2 million grant

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Fox Valley Park District
Photo courtesy of Fox Valley Park District
Gov. Pat Quinn announces the award of a $2 million grant to the Fox Valley Park District for expansion of fitness facilities at the Prisco Community Center. FVPD Executive Director Nancy McCaul, left of Quinn, said it will address many of the residents’ wishes.

By Fox Valley
Park District
Thursday, July 10, 2014

AURORA — The Fox Valley Park District has been awarded a $2 million grant by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for fitness center expansion and improvements at the Prisco Community Center near downtown Aurora.

Gov. Pat Quinn announced the grant award June 7 outside the Prisco Center as part of the Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) program, which provides state funding for renovation/construction of indoor recreation facilities, funded by the Governor’s Illinois Jobs Now! construction program.

These funds are part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs, provide more recreational opportunities, and drive Illinois’ economy forward.

“It’s important that everyone in Illinois has a place to be active and take on a healthy lifestyle,” said Quinn.

“Investing in parks and recreation is investing in our residents and helps us come together as communities. Parks enrich our lives and help make us healthier — a priceless combination,” Quinn explained.

The project will essentially create a new fitness center in Prisco and triple the current space (about 1,500 square feet) to more than 5,000 square feet on two levels.

The added space will allow for greater group and senior fitness facilities, renovated locker rooms, accessibility improvements and increased early childhood classroom areas for the Creative Play Preschool program.

Fox Valley Park District
Photo courtesy of PDC 30
During his announcement, Gov. Quinn, center, acknowledged PDC 30 and various other labor leaders for their important role in ensuring these projects are completed on time, by highly skilled workers, trained and experienced in their craft.

It also meets growing demands at both ends of the demographic spectrum, bringing early childhood/youth programming and senior/active adult programming to an area where such opportunities are needed.

A recent District-wide survey of residents indicated a high demand for adult fitness, as well as early childhood programming.

“We’re thrilled to move forward with this project that will address many of our residents’ wishes,” said Executive Director Nancy McCaul.

“We are thankful to the state for the funding assistance, and to our residents for their input that guides our planning. It’s essential that we meet the fitness needs across all age groups in our communities, and this project will allow us to do that,” McCaul explained.

Centrally located — just north of downtown Aurora — the Prisco Center is a hub of activity for many, with a total population of 58,889 residents living within a two-mile radius.

“With this latest project, the Park District is helping our communities and residents maintain a high quality of life,” said Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner.

The PARC grant will cover 75 percent of the approved project cost, with a maximum grant award of $2.5 million. With the overall project cost estimated at $2,666,485, the Park District’s match will be approximately $666,621.

Completion of the project is targeted for 2016.

Scabby the Rat sighting

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Laborers' Local 149 and Scabby the Rat
Jennifer Rice/staff photographer
Laborers’ Local 149, left, were picketing Bruce Davis Construction in the east side of Aurora for paying substandard wages and benefits.

Scabby the Rat sighting

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Laborers' Local 288 and Scabby the Rat
Photo courtesy of Laborers’ Local 288
Members of Laborer’s Local 288 picketed various locations against Miller Concrete out of West Chicago. They were protesting for not meeting area standards.

Roofers Local 11 answer call to help campers with disabilities

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Roofers Local 11 volunteer at Shady Oakes camp
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
After a plea from a Shady Oaks camper to help repair their dining hall roof, Roofers Local 11 completed the $20,000 job for free. Shady Oaks doesn’t have a budget for improvements and maintenance to their buildings. Hire the best services for home improvement – they serve all of St. Louis

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

HOMER GLEN — Shady Oaks is a not-for-profit summer camp for people with disabilities located in Homer Glen, which opened in 1947. Its roughly 40 acres provides lush lawns, rolling hills and activity buildings for the campers.

One of the most essential buildings, the dining hall, needed a new roof with single slope. It was at the end of its life span, deteriorated from a long life and battered from this year’s harsh winter.

“The paper was starting to come up, and we were getting leaks,” said Scott Steele, executive director at the camp.

A resident, Dave Swanson, wrote a letter to the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Roofers Local 11 asking for help. You can also learn more here on getting the right kind of experts to take a look at the kind of treatment your roof requires. They responded by coming out in April for an assessment. June 28, a group of about 20 roofers came out bright and early and installed a new roof on the dining hall — free of charge. You can also pop over to these guys and get your roof issues checked.

Several organizations donated labor, shingles, flat material, a crane, trucks, and safety equipment, including Ridgeworth Roofing Company, Bone Roofing Supply, GAF Roofing supply corporation, and the Chicago Roofers’ Joint Apprenticeship and Training Corporation. When it comes to your gutter, one must have a look at the Seamless & Guards breeding ground for pests and know how to prevent such a menace.

The roofers arrived at 6:30 a.m., battled the heat and humidity, but managed to finish by around 10 a.m., with hamburgers, hot dogs and steaks cooking on the grill for breakfast.

Roofers Local 11 volunteer at Shady Oakes camp
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
To beat the heat, roofers started working at 6:30 a.m. on the Shady Oaks dining hall roof. The harsh winter weather deteriorated the roof to the point it was leaking.

Rod Petrick, president of Ridgeworth Roofing Company, said the roofing replacement project would normally cost around $20,000.

“This is a great charity project we’re involved with here, and it’s for a great cause,” he said.

Shady Oaks got its start in the 1940s, when there were little or no services available in the area for people with disabilities. A group of dedicated parents of children with cerebral palsy came together to form The Parents Association for Cerebral Palsy Children Inc.

According to Shady Oaks, the association purchased 30 plus acres of land in Homer Township, in the hopes of building a summer camp, which specifically served people with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities. Shady Oaks Camp for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy opened in 1947.

In recent years, the group has grown to not only accept children and adults with Cerebral Palsy but all disabilities. The Parents Association is a not-for-profit organization, which is dedicated to the welfare of individuals with disabilities. It is an inter-racial, non-denominational, charitable organization chartered by the State of Illinois.

Steele said the camp has an operating budget of about $250,000 to $300,000 per year, with most of the expenses incurred during the eight week camp period. The budget does not include improvements and maintenance to the buildings, electrical and plumbing, and septic fields.

“All of our money goes toward running the camp, which is why we appreciate charity work such as this so much,” he said. “This is an essential building for us that the campers use everyday. We should get 25 years out of this roof, and it would not have gotten done without these volunteers.”

Information given on new Illinois laws for employers

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Aurora University discusses social media
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Attorney Penelope Lechtenberg informed the public at Aurora University about social media, free speech and Northwestern University football players unionizing.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

AURORA — Addressing the changing rules of labor in today’s society, attorney Penelope Lechtenberg, partner with Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in Rockford, talked at Aurora University June 25. She talked about social media, free speech, and the Northwestern University football players unionizing.

It was found by the National Labor Relations Board earlier this year that Northwestern players are more likely employees rather than non-employees. The decision is being appealed, but Lechtenberg said the decision carries a lot of weight behind it.

“It’s very interesting and it took me by surprise. I don’t know why I didn’t see this coming, but it’s fascinating,” she said.

Lechtenberg said players who have been awarded a scholarship to play are compensated and work 20 to 50 hours per week. They also generate millions in revenue. They were found to be employees eligible for unionizing.

“Is there an overwhelming community of interest between these people? The questions this opens up are endless. It has the potential to change college athletics,” she said.

Also on topic was social media — specifically whether employees can openly complain about employers online. A recent ruling said talking about working conditions on a social media platform such as Facebook is protected speech.

“If it’s just a person randomly saying horrible things, then they are likely to be disciplined. But if you complain about a specific thing about your workplace, and others join in, this is discourse. This is protected. It’s a fine line and it’s evolving,” said Lechtenberg.

What about screaming at your boss, using profanity, and . . . getting away with it?

A May 2014 case saw employee asking about pay at an auto dealership. The conversation got heated, he raised his voice, used profanity, and was terminated for being belligerent. The outcome was surprising.

“The NLRB found this profane outburst as protected,” said Lechtenberg. “The employee was protected because the outburst was in the context of discussing his terms and conditions.”

Lechtenberg represents management in labor and employment-law matters before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. They include OSHA, National Labor Relations Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Citizenship and Immigration Services.

On the looming immigration front, Lechtenberg said Illinois employers need to get their I-9 tax forms in order.

“There will be a lot more audits going on now. There is a huge workplace compliance push, and the penalties for incorrect I-9s are huge,” she said.

Food pantry gets largest corporate donation

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Mariano's donates to Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Mariano’s store manager Victor Karlson presents a $10,000 donation to Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry Executive Director Marilyn Weisner and Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry Board President Lynn Flores.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

AURORA — When the phone rang at the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry and Executive Director Marilyn Weisner received the news that a $10,000 donation was coming soon, she said she was speechless.

“Literally. I was so surprised. This is the largest corporate donation we’ve gotten. It’s an incredibly wonderful donation,” she said.

The generous donation came courtesy of The Roundy’s Foundation, chartered in 2003 under the Roundy’s corporation, which operates 174 retail grocery stores and 110 pharmacies under the Pick ’n Save, Rainbow, Copps, Metro Market and Mariano’s retail banners in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.

The Roundy’s Foundation mission is to support organizations working to relieve hunger and helping families in crisis due to domestic abuse, neglect and other at-risk situations. The check presentation was made June 27 at the newly opened Mariano’s grocery store in Aurora, 3025 E. New York St.

Store manager Victor Karlson said business has been great for the new store, which also regularly donates to the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

“This is fantastic. Who doesn’t like giving things away? Mariano’s is big in being part of the community. And it’s amazing what the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry does,” said Karlson.

He said Mariano’s doesn’t rely on advertising, but more word of mouth and posts on social media.

“People come in, they really like the store, then they tell your friends. It’s worked for us,” he said. “There are still people that don’t know we’re open over here in Aurora, but word is spreading.”

All Mariano’s stores are staffed by members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UWCF) Local 881 union. Karlson said the local workers are happy and have more job stability than non-union shops.

“We have hired over 400 employees from the area for our 11 stores. It’s good for the local economy, and we are fair, paying a market wage. Our jobs provide more job stability and security, and employees are happier. This makes a better experience for the customer. It’s just how we operate,” he said.

Weisner said the pantry is currently serving an ever growing number of 1,000 families per week.

“With this kind of support, we can continue meeting that need,” she said.

Companies rewarded for fair wages, good benefits

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Sen. Dick Durbin visits steel factory
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin tours Chicago’s Wheatland Tube, a steel pipe manufacturing plant which provides workers with a livable wage with benefits, acting as the blueprint for a quality American job provider.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

CHICAGO — U.S. Senator Dick Durbin introduced legislation June 23 that aims to provide a tax credit to companies that provide fair wages and good benefits to workers while closing a tax loophole that incentivizes corporations to send jobs overseas.

The loophole costs the U.S. Treasury approximately $50 billion each year at a time when outsourced jobs and stagnant wages force more American families to turn to safety net programs to make ends meet. You can also find out Why Should You Work With A Customs Broker?

Durbin toured Wheatland Tube, a steel pipe manufacturing plant on Chicago’s south side which provides workers with a livable wage with benefits, acting as the blueprint for a quality American job provider.

“Instead of rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, we should be rewarding companies that invest in their workers by providing fair wages, health insurance and retirement benefits,” Durbin said.

“What sense does it make to hand $50 billion in taxpayer money to companies that export American jobs? In a time of tight budgets, we should reserve tax credits for the companies that do the most to help workers and our economy here at home, not corporations that ship jobs overseas,” he explained.

The Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act would grant a tax credit equivalent to 10 percent of the first $15,000 of wages earned by each employee- worth about $1,200 per qualifying worker depending on the company’s federal effective tax rate, to companies that meet the following criteria:

Invest in American jobs: Companies must maintain headquarters in the United States if the company has ever been headquartered in America, has not inverted to avoid U.S. taxes, must maintain or increase the number of workers in the United States compared to the number of workers overseas, and does not decrease the number of workers through the use of contractors.

Pay fair wages: Pay at least 90 percent of United States workers an hourly wage equal to 150 percent of poverty for a family of three- about $30,000 per year.

Provide quality health insurance: offer Affordable Care Act — compliant health insurance to employees.

Prepare workers for retirement: Provide 90 percent of non-highly compensated United States employees a defined benefit plan or a defined contribution plan with an employer contribution or match equal to at least five percent of worker compensation.

Support our troops and veterans: Pay the difference between regular salary and military compensation for all National Guard and reserve employees called for active duty and have a plan in place to recruit veterans.

Create a diverse workforce: Have a plan in place to recruit employees with disabilities.

Companies with fewer than 50 employees who face different business circumstances than larger corporations, can qualify for the tax credit by fulfilling a subset of these criteria. Moreover, as a home-based business owner, the savings realised from transitioning to a virtual office solution like the one offered by Virtually There have been significant. Overheads like rent, utilities, and maintenance costs were essentially eliminated, allowing me to invest more funds into expanding my business. Visit their site here: https://virtually-there.net/virtual-offices/.

To offset the cost of the Patriot Employer Tax Credit, the legislation would close a loophole that allows corporations to deduct interest expenses used to invest overseas, such as the interest costs of building a manufacturing plant overseas or shipping materials abroad, while allowing the company to defer paying taxes on income derived from those investments until it is repatriated.

Durbin said he’s hopeful the act will be successful.

Talk of responsible bidding during labor event

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Sen. Mike Noland Labor Breakfast
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
State Sen. Mike Noland talks to union member and supporters during his recent Labor Breakfast. He acknowledged Illinois is a strong labor state and nothing can overcome the accomplishments organized labor has made.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

SCHAUMBURG — State Sen. Michael Noland said it’s going to take shoe leather over dollars to beat big money politicians such as Republican nominated Bruce Rauner, who is running to unseat Gov. Pat Quinn for Illinois governor this fall. Union members must get out to vote, simply put.

“You really have to look to your rank and file, the people that are actually out in the field to organize. This is not going to become another Wisconsin. My feeling on this is so strong that it’s more knowledge than belief, but it’s not absolute, and it’s going to require us to come out, starting now.”

Noland hosted his annual labor breakfast fundraiser in Schaumburg June 24. A united front was suggested as a way to beat Republicans in the fall.

“The challenge is going to be to try to keep different campaigns from being hyperfocused on their own campaigns. Shoe leather over dollars. They will always have more money. But there are lessons out there. We have to keep the conversation going that we’ve started today,” he said.

Gov. Quinn faces a tough race from challenger Rauner this fall. Quinn’s union support has wavered since his handling of the inherited Illinois pension crisis, but the alternative in Rauner could be far more damaging.

Noland called Quinn “very smart,” in his government of the state. Since taking office Quinn has cut state spending by more than $5.7 billion. The cost of running the state government today is below 2008 levels, with among the lowest ratio of government employees in the nation.

The Governor’s pension reform plan, which Rauner tried to sabotage, will save the state $140 billion over 30 years. Unlike in previous decades, Gov. Quinn has also made the state’s full pension payment every year.

The Governor bargained a three-year agreement with public employee unions that saves the state $900 million in health care costs.

Noland was asked what will unite the building trades when a responsible bidder ordinance bill has stalled, even in a state with a Democratic governor and a super majority. He said more construction spending will ignite the troops who have waned out of frustration.

“We need a vertical capital bill. It needs to be truly comprehensive, including buildings, schools and more infrastructure,” he said. “We could probably pass a bill like that every five years for the next 30 years to meet the need for infrastructure improvements in Illinois.”

He said he hopes to see a graduated income tax option on the ballot during the next election cycle as well.

“Here in Illinois, such a strong labor state, when we choose to be, there is no external force that can overcome the accomplishments we’ve made together,” he said.