Soderstrom will get statue at state AFL-CIO

Union locals can buy pavers

Springfield, IL – Reuben Soderstrom, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO from 1930 through 1970, will be honored with a statue and memorial in the plaza in front of the group’s headquarters near the state capitol.

The statue and memorial will be installed along with repairs needed to the plaza. Soderstrom’s son, Dr. Carl Soderstrom of Peoria, is donating the statue. The memorial area will present important dates in Illinois Labor history.

Local unions, members and supporters may assist in the project by purchasing engraved, 4” by 8” pavers for $400 each, or 8” by 8” for $800. A 27” by 27” column cap is $5,000.

The pavers will be permanent reminders honoring Illinois AFL-CIO affiliates and union partners. Otto Baum Construction has been hired for the work, which organizers hope to have completed this fall. Pavers may be dedicated to past Labor leaders who joined in the fight for Illinois’ strong labor laws.

To participate, send email to terrip@ilafl-cio.org to receive a form to fill out, call (217) 544-4014 or write to Illinois AFL-CIO, 534 S. 2nd St., Suite 200, Springfield IL 62701. To purchase the recent three-volume coffee table book telling the story of Soderstrom’s life, go online to fortygavels.com.