HB3156 Summary

• Expands the definition of "essential services employees" under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act to include employees engaged in construction, repair, or maintenance of highways, streets, roads, bridges, public infrastructure, water systems, and public utility infrastructure.

• Adds employees classified as Chief Stationary Engineer, Assistant Chief Stationary Engineer, Sewage Plant Operator, Water Plant Operator, Stationary Engineer, or Plant Operating Engineer to the definition of essential services employees.

• Extends mediation and arbitration requirements to disputes involving essential services employees (excluding those employed by Cook County, City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, or Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago).

• Requires mediation to commence 30 days before expiration of collective bargaining agreements for essential services employee units, with arbitration available if disputes remain unresolved after 15 days of mediation.

• Makes conforming changes to Section 14 of the Act to apply the same mediation and arbitration procedures for essential services employee disputes as currently apply to security employees, peace officers, and fire fighters.