Nick Yelverton, President of the Springfield and Central Illinois Trades and Labor Council and Legislative Director for the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey in union leadership, the significance of Workers Memorial Day and the current political climate affecting labor rights.
Yelverton began by sharing his journey from Las Vegas to Illinois, where he said he found a home in the labor movement. He has spent the past 19 years with the Illinois Federation of Teachers. In 2020, after being named Interim President, Yelverton was elected President of the Springfield and Central Illinois Trades and Labor Council. Under his leadership, the council has been rebuilt from the ground up, as he was the first President elected after the Council came out of Trusteeship. Now, the council has grown within the community through engagement and supporting young people with scholarship programs, Yelverton said.
Then Yelverton discussed Workers Memorial Day on April 28, a solemn occasion to honor those who have lost their lives or been injured on the job. In conjunction with the Illinois State AFL-CIO, the CLC will hold a formal ceremony where the names of fallen workers are read aloud, and roses are laid on a memorial statue in remembrance of these workers. Yelverton said the event serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance in workplace safety and the ongoing fight to protect workers' rights. He talked about the emotional impact of the ceremony and the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by workers and their families.
Finally, Yelverton discussed his concern over the threats to worker protections at the federal level. He noted the increasing popularity of unions as more people seek protection against government actions that threaten their workplace rights. For example, in Illinois, where collective bargaining rights are enshrined in the state constitution, Yelverton sees an opportunity for increased organizing and political activity. He stressed the importance of leadership in advocating for workers' rights and the need for continued vigilance in the face of these challenges.
Listen to the full episode to hear more from Yelverton and the ongoing fight for workers' rights in Illinois.