CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS (January 22, 2026) — Last night, Champaign resident and Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney swore in the East Central Illinois AFL-CIO's nine new officers, who affirmed their commitment to advocating for union members and their families. The newly inaugurated leadership emphasized building strong partnerships with community organizations and engaging in political campaigns aimed at improving the lives of working people.
The newly elected officers include:
- President — Luther Baker, IBEW Local 601
- Vice President — Dave Beck, AFSCME Council 31
- Treasurer — Zach Thomas, Painters Local 363
- Recording Secretary — Erik Davis, Ironworkers 380
- Member at Large — Krissy Webber, Roofers 97
- Guardian — Josh Robertson, Carpenters Local 243
- Trustee — Laura Abbott, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 149
- Trustee — Elise Jones, IFT 4776
- Trustee — Chelsea Birchmier, GEO 6300
President-elect Luther Baker is a journeyman member of IBEW 601 and state representative of the IBEW RENEW young workers initiative. Under his leadership, Baker plans to build deeper coalitions between the community and labor movement, highlight the council’s role in community service, and ensure that the region’s union members are actively engaged in the political process.
President Baker states, "The East Central Illinois AFL-CIO aims to be at the forefront for “Modernizing the Movement” campaign spearheaded by the Illinois and National AFL-CIO. New leadership and a new jurisdiction present an opportune moment to reach out to new communities and union members in the region. We are eager to welcome new union siblings into our labor council and work together to build a labor movement that works for everyone. Our time is now to pave the path for all to follow and fight for the working people who make East Central Illinois unions strong!"
The East Central Illinois AFL-CIO serves as the region’s Central Labor Council (CLC). Formerly known as the Champaign County AFL-CIO, the council adopted its new regional name, East Central Illinois AFL-CIO, in December 2025 as part of the AFL-CIO's “Modernizing the Movement” initiative. The East Central Illinois AFL-CIO now represents 18,902 union members across eleven counties: Champaign, Vermillion, Iroquois, Ford, Douglas, Edgar, Coles, Cumberland, Clark, Jasper, and Crawford.
The Illinois AFL-CIO is embracing the national AFL-CIO's “Modernizing the Movement” initiative to better align its work around labor’s shared values at every level. Changes to Central Labor Council (CLC) jurisdictions will enable councils to more effectively mobilize union growth, launch inclusive and impactful political programs, advance strong legislative advocacy, and deepen community engagement. The newly formed East Central Illinois AFL-CIO will be a stronger voice for working families in Central Illinois.
“The labor movement is powered by its members, and tonight’s elections prove that East Central Illinois is ready to fight for an economy that works for all. This energy and momentum are undeniable,” said Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney.
“We’re proud to stand with Luther as he brings new members into the movement, elevates young workers, and builds a labor council that represents all working families in the area.”
Illinois’ 19 Central Labor Councils represent local unions in their communities and are closely connected with the issues and concerns of their members. Through grassroots organizing, the East Central Illinois AFL-CIO will work hand-in-hand with community members, local unions, and elected officials to ensure that all working families are represented and have a meaningful voice in shaping the future.
