Manley Highlights Union Jobs, Affordable Energy and Worker Protections at IBEW Annual State Conference
JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, addressed attendees at the annual state conference for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) on Oct. 7 at Harrah’s Conference Center in Joliet.
“For Illinois to succeed, we need to prioritize working families,” Rep. Manley said. “Throughout my legislative career, the IBEW has been a great partner in our efforts to create jobs, strengthen protections and improve the lives of hardworking Illinoisans.”
IBEW represents nearly 873,000 workers and retirees in the electrical industry across the United States, Canada, Panama, Guam and several Caribbean island nations. For the statewide conference, representatives from Local Union 176 were in attendance, which is located at 1100 NE Frontage Rd. in Joliet.
“Ten years ago, we were in an existential fight over labor’s role in this state. Today Illinois is a national leader in worker rights,” Rep. Manley said. “That didn’t happen by accident. It’s a testament to members of labor across the state, and the IBEW and its leadership have played a critical role.”
A central focus of her remarks was the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, which prioritizes energy affordability, reliability and capacity while supporting energy-related jobs. Illinois’ first battery storage procurement under the law secured 600 megawatts of new utility-scale storage projects expected to come online by 2030, with additional procurement rounds to follow.
“If we want to handle demand, we need to make sure we have a strong workforce ready to tackle all of these projects,” Rep. Manley said. “And the state needs to continue to step up with responsible investments in education and job training programs.”
Looking ahead, Rep. Manley addressed the opportunities and challenges associated with data center development. While these projects can support good-paying union construction jobs, lawmakers must responsibly address their impact on energy demand, consumer costs and grid reliability. Rep. Manley called for the IBEW to have a seat at the table as the General Assembly considers those issues.
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