DPI says it voluntary recognized staff union
Tuesday, Jul 14, 2026 - Posted by Rich Miller
* DPI press release…
Today, Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez released the following statement after voluntarily recognizing Democratic Party of Illinois staff as members of IBEW Local 134. Arbitrator Kevin Camden confirmed the majority interest support of the staff members for IBEW Local 134 as their exclusive bargaining representative.
“Throughout our nation’s history, Illinois has led the fight for labor progress. 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,” said Chair Hernandez.
“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. 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,” said IBEW Local 134 Business Manager and Financial Secretary Don Finn.
The staff unit added: “We are thrilled to join IBEW Local 134 and continue our state party’s longstanding commitment to organized labor. 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.”
Thoughts/
- Frida’s Boss - Tuesday, Jul 14, 26 @ 3:35 pm:
Are they now electricians?
- NITA minute - Tuesday, Jul 14, 26 @ 3:43 pm:
When you need to keep the juice flowing, you count on the men and women of the IBEW.
- Think Again - Tuesday, Jul 14, 26 @ 3:43 pm:
=We are thrilled to join IBEW Local 134=
No conflict of interest in terms of staffers being upset with all the IBEW PAC donations going to Dems.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jul 14, 26 @ 3:58 pm:
=No conflict of interest in terms of staffers being upset…=
Nice that you got that oput there. Feel better?
Now let’s talk about donations and legislations and conflicts at every single level of government. Just kidding, you know they exist but unions are your bugaboo.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jul 14, 26 @ 3:58 pm:
===staffers being upset ===
Um, that makes no sense.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jul 14, 26 @ 3:59 pm:
===unions are your bugaboo===
Everything is that commenter’s bugaboo.
- Oldtimer - Tuesday, Jul 14, 26 @ 4:03 pm:
Very curious to see how OT is handled.
If rules similar to other state government unions are followed, some employees could easily earn $25k-$50K in OT pay a year on top of their salary.