Democratic Party of Illinois Voluntarily Recognizes Staff Union (Springfield, IL) – The Democratic Party of Illinois has voluntarily recognized its staff as members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134, making the union the exclusive bargaining representative for eligible employees.
The announcement came after arbitrator Kevin Camden confirmed that a majority of staff members expressed support for representation by IBEW Local 134.
Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez said the decision reflects the party’s longstanding commitment to organized labor and workers’ rights.
“Throughout our nation’s history, Illinois has led the fight for labor progress,” Hernandez said. “Today, the Democratic Party of Illinois is proud to uphold those values by voluntarily recognizing our staff’s collective bargaining unit—making it abundantly clear that our state party is, and always will be, pro-worker. Every day, our staff moves the Party and our work forward. I am honored to recognize our staff’s union.”
IBEW Local 134 Business Manager and Financial Secretary Don Finn praised the recognition, calling it an example of labor-management cooperation.
“Every worker in America deserves strong union representation, and today marks an inspiring milestone for workers in Illinois as the Democratic Party of Illinois voluntarily recognized IBEW Local 134 as the exclusive representative of its staff members,” Finn said. “By choosing a path of collaboration over conflict with a strong union like IBEW Local 134, the Democratic Party of Illinois is setting an example for all employers across this State that such leadership shows a true commitment to its employees and a shared vision for the future. We look forward to sitting down at the negotiating table in good faith to build a stronger workplace together.”
Members of the newly recognized bargaining unit also welcomed the decision, saying union representation will strengthen both staff and the organization over the long term.
“We are thrilled to join IBEW Local 134 and continue our state party’s longstanding commitment to organized labor,” the staff unit said in a joint statement. “We believe in the Democratic Party of Illinois as a vehicle for change for working families, a home for strong Democratic candidates, and an organization where talented staff can grow and lead. This is how we protect and strengthen the institution for years to come. The solidarity we built today will outlast any one of us, and we’re proud to help leave this party stronger for the staff who come after us.”
The voluntary recognition clears the way for IBEW Local 134 and Democratic Party of Illinois leadership to begin negotiating the staff’s first collective bargaining agreement.
Democratic Party of Illinois Voluntarily Recognizes Staff Union
