Speaker Welch Champions Workers, Unions at IBEW International Convention in Chicago

Chicago, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch delivered remarks at the 40th IBEW International Convention on Wednesday affirming his lifelong support for unions, workers' rights and the labor movement.

This landmark Convention brings together thousands of union members from all across North America to renew the values at the heart of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, one of the largest unions in the world. After two years of a global health pandemic and coming to terms with what it means to be an "essential worker," the labor movement is in the midst of a resurgence as workers embrace the power of collective bargaining.

"We've witnessed the power of worker activism all across this nation, especially in this post-pandemic era," said Speaker Welch. "Our hardworking men and women are harnessing their collective voices to spur necessary change and better their working lives. They're fighting for improved working conditions, higher wages and better benefits. They're standing up to some of the biggest companies in the world – and they’re winning."

Speaker Welch was one of several dignitaries to speak at the convention this week, which also included an address from President Joe Biden.

Illinois workers witnessed the assault on unions firsthand under the Rauner administration, and the damage it inflicted on the labor movement. Despite Rauner's union-weakening agenda, Illinois Democrats passed a ban on right-to-work zones for all municipalities in 2019. Just one year later, the COVID-19 crisis further cemented the importance of unions and the power of workers.

"Illinois will always be a state that stands up for workers' rights," said Speaker Welch. "The freedom for workers to join together in unions is a fundamental right that should always be protected. Right to work is wrong for Illinois, and it is wrong for America."