IL SB1888

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 buildings, infrastructure, water systems, and utility infrastructure.

Adds specific job titles to the essential services employees definition, including Chief Stationary Engineer, Assistant Chief Stationary Engineer, Sewage Plant Operator, Water Plant Operator, Stationary Engineer, and Plant Operating Engineer.

Extends mediation and arbitration requirements to disputes involving essential services employees (except those employed by Cook County, City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, or Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago), requiring mediation to commence 30 days before contract expiration.

Prohibits essential services employees from withholding services and prohibits public employers from locking out or preventing these employees from performing services at any time.

Makes conforming changes to Section 14 of the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act to include essential services employees in the mediation and arbitration dispute resolution procedures previously applied only to security employees, peace officers, and firefighters.