SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (March 6, 2025) — On Wednesday, March 5, the Illinois AFL-CIO honored three Illinois General Assembly members for their outstanding contributions to working Illinoisans at the organization’s annual “Labor Salutes” awards ceremony.
“lllinois is lucky to have incredible leaders fighting for working families every day,” remarked Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea. “With Trump and Musk’s slash-and-burn efforts that puts money in their pockets at the expense of working people, it is more important than ever to recognize the dedication and hard work of our elected officials at home and in DC who are fighting every day for working Illinoisans.”
This evening, the Illinois AFL-CIO recognized three powerful voices for organized labor in Illinois. Representative Nikki Budzinski received the Margaret Blackshere, Women in Leadership award; State Rep Eva-Dina Delgado was honored with the Zeke Giorgi award, and the organization presented the Reuben Soderstrom award to State Senator Bill Cunningham.
“This years’ Labor Salutes is an opportunity to bring our elected leaders and organized labor together to remember what we can get done when we come together in solidarity,” stated Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney. “With so much at stake for working people, these three legislators exemplify our state’s commitment to remaining a pro-labor bastion in the Midwest. They are committed to the future of our movement, whether it is in the halls of Springfield or Congress, and know what it takes to build a future that works for all Illinoisans, not just the wealthy.”
The Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board is responsible for selecting public elected officials for these awards. The board evaluates the individual’s commitment to organized labor and their record on supporting issues important to union members and workers in Illinois.
Labor Salutes began in 1994 when the-then Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Blackshere presented the Zeke Giorgi award to State Rep Jim McPike from Alton, Illinois during the Illinois AFL-CIO 30th Constitutional Convention. Today, the Illinois AFL-CIO represents over 1500 affiliated unions and nearly 900,000 workers in Illinois from the Wisconsin to Kentucky border.
