Trade and labor unions are a vital part of Chicago’s history. Despite its slow decline in recent years, Chicago remains one of the most unionized cities in the U.S. The 5 largest labor unions continue to fight not just for the benefit of union members, but non-union members alike.
Illinois Labor Union Statistics
In 2023, Illinois had 708,000 union members and 47,000 wage and salary workers who were represented by a union or covered by a contract but were not union members themselves. The unionization rate in Chicago is 12.8%, which is notably higher than the national rate of 10%.
Other Illinois labor union statistics include:
- 15% men
- 11% women
- 19% Black workers
- 13% White workers
- 9% Hispanic workers
- 14% military veterans
Although the approval rating for unions is at an all-time high, union member rates in Illinois and Chicago have steadily decreased in recent years for several reasons such as fewer manufacturing jobs, faster overall employment growth compared to union membership, and more low-union density careers.
5 Largest Labor Unions in Chicago
The 5 largest labor unions in the Chicagoland area are United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners – 4275 Mid-America Carpenters Regional, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, Service Employees International Union – SEIU Healthcare, American Federation of Teachers -1 Chicago Teachers Union, and Service Employees International Union – 1 SEIU.
1.Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council
The Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, with over 53,000 members across Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Eastern Iowa, stands as a beacon of skill advancement and community building. Since 1881, this regional council has provided cutting-edge training and fostered unity and professional excellence in a multitude of specialized carpentry crafts. From stair building to intricate trim work, the council ensures its members are equipped with the skills and support needed to thrive and uplift their communities.
2. International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 is a powerhouse of dedicated professionals representing around 23,000 hardworking men and women across Northern Illinois, Northern Indiana, and Southeastern Iowa. These skilled operators work in a diverse range of industries including:
- Road Building
- Hoisting
- Mass Earth Moving
- Slag
- Pits and Quarries
- Landfill
- Drilling
- Material Testing
- Railroad Construction Derailment
- Maritime Employees
- Pipeline
- Landscaping
- Public Works
3. Service Employees International Union – SEIU Healthcare
SEIU Healthcare is the Midwest’s fastest-growing union, uniting over 91,000 dedicated workers in healthcare, childcare, home care, and nursing homes. With a relentless commitment to securing better wages, hours, and working conditions through collective bargaining and political action, SEIU Healthcare is all about improving the lives of its members and the communities they serve.
These hardworking individuals provide essential care to our children, seniors, patients, and people with disabilities, ensuring quality care and quality jobs.
4. American Federation of Teachers -1 Chicago Teachers Union
The American Federation of Teachers – 1 Chicago Teachers Union works tirelessly to improve the quality of public education and protect the rights of educators. For over 75 years, the Chicago Teachers Union has been at the forefront of the fight for the schools Chicago’s students deserve. Representing nearly 30,000 teachers, paraprofessionals, school-related personnel, and school clinicians, the CTU is dedicated to improving teaching and learning conditions, securing fair compensation, benefits, and job security, and administering the collective bargaining agreement.
5. Service Employees International Union – 1 SEIU
SEIU Local 1 is a powerhouse of change, dedicated to improving the lives of its 50,000 members and all working people across the Midwest. From janitors to security officers, this vibrant union stands at the forefront of the fight for real economic justice and advocates tirelessly for immigrant, racial, LGBTQ+, and environmental justice. Since its inception in Chicago in 1921, Local 1 has been a beacon of hope and progress, uniting workers across five states and ten cities. By engaging, educating, and empowering its members, Local 1 creates transformative leaders and a broader social movement, ensuring high labor standards and a brighter future for all.
Larry Wins for Chicago Union Members
Having grown up in a union family, Founder Larry Disparti is dedicated to representing and protecting union members and their rights. At Disparti Law Group, we recognize that many union workers have helped build our city and continue to hold it together. For a FREE case review, union members can call (312) 600-6000 to discuss any employment-related issues with an experienced labor and employment lawyer. For Chicago union members… Larry wins!
Chicago Employment Law FAQs
Can My Employer Fire Me Without A Reason?
Yes, in many cases. Illinois follows the “at-will” employment rule, meaning employers may fire workers at any time without giving a reason. However, firing someone for discriminatory reasons such as race, gender, disability, or union membership is against the law. If you believe your termination was unfair or discriminatory, it’s important to explore your legal rights. The Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers offers free case evaluations to help employees in Chicago understand their options.
Am I Allowed To Talk About Pay With Coworkers?
Yes, you are. Federal law protects your right to discuss wages and working conditions with coworkers. This protection helps workers identify unfair treatment and strengthens their ability to seek better pay or benefits, especially in unionized workplaces. In a city like Chicago, where union membership is still above the national average, these conversations remain a vital part of protecting workers’ rights.
Do Employers Have To Pay Overtime In Chicago?
Yes, in most situations. Both federal and Illinois state law require employers to pay time-and-a-half for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. Some salaried positions may be exempt, depending on job duties and income. If your employer refuses to pay overtime that you rightfully earned, you may have a legal claim. Workers in unionized industries often rely on collective bargaining agreements to strengthen overtime protections.
Can I Be Forced To Work Without Breaks?
No, not always. Illinois law requires certain meal and rest breaks depending on the length of your shift. For example, employees working more than 7.5 continuous hours are entitled to a 20-minute meal break. Many union contracts also provide stronger protections, providing fair scheduling and adequate time to rest. If you’re not receiving legally required breaks, it could be an employment law violation.
Are Unions Still Important For Protecting Workers In Chicago?
Yes, very much so. Chicago remains one of the most unionized cities in the country, with over 700,000 union members in Illinois. The city’s largest unions, such as the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, Operating Engineers Local 150, SEIU Healthcare, the Chicago Teachers Union, and SEIU Local 1, advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, and strong legal protections. Even non-union workers benefit from higher standards set through collective bargaining. Founder Larry Disparti grew up in a union family and continues to fight for workers’ rights through his firm.
Protecting Workers’ Rights In Chicago
If you have questions about your job, pay, benefits, or treatment at work, you don’t have to face them alone. Our firm is one of the most successful law firms serving the greater Chicago and Tampa areas. As the leader in Injury, Disability, Workers’ Comp, and Employment Law, with more than $1 Billion in recoveries, The Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers has been named one of the Most Influential Law Firms in America by Trial Lawyer Magazine. We offer free case evaluations and are dedicated to protecting union and non-union workers across Chicago.
