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The legislative session has ended in the Illinois statehouse, and we are thrilled to report that, with your help, we were successful in ushering through two bills we lobbied on at the District’s Illinois Lobby Day back in April.
Ensuring Fairness in Our Right to Organize
When Illinois voters passed the Workers’ Rights Amendment in 2022, they made it clear that workers’ rights come first. When we get momentum, we take opportunity in it. That’s why we made our next priority the Illinois Worker Freedom of Speech Act, SB 3649.
The legislation tackles the growing problem of employer-run “captive audience” meetings where an employer shares their political or religious views with employees who are forced to attend. Meetings often include anti-union rhetoric in an attempt to derail organizing drives. Because of your hard work, SB 3649 has been signed into law in Illinois. This is a massive win for workers and the labor movement!
Honoring Our Veterans
For the last four years, the USW has been championing legislation across the country which would require a standardized workplace posting that includes basic information about benefits to which Veterans are entitled and a way to learn more about programs designed to help them. Our veterans often return to civilian life after serving our nation without guidance on how to receive the benefits their service entitles them. This legislation brings us one step closer to making sure their sacrifice is properly honored.
We are so happy to share our bill, HB 4757, has now been signed into law! This was accomplished through the hard work of our Veterans of Steel siblings and USW members who support them through our lobbying efforts, and we will continue to push for the same legislation in every state across the country. These efforts help to ease the transition back into civilian life and ensure that families and communities are supported after giving selflessly for our country.
This good work never gets done without you, and having your voices front in center in front of legislators has critical impact. Thank you!