International Union of Operating Engineers

The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) represents operating and stationary engineers who work as heavy equipment operators in the construction industry and maintain building and industrial complexes. Founded in 1896, the organization currently has over 400,000 members and maintains 170 locals, eight of which are in Illinois. A member of the AFL-CIO, the IUOE has actively lobbied for greater emphasis on increased energy supply and infrastructure; the union is also interested in road and building construction. The most politically active IUOE Locals in Illinois are Local 150 and Local 399. The IUOE Local 150, based in Countryside, is the third largest Local in the US. The Statesman of the Year PAC is affiliated with Local 150. The IUOE Local 399 is based in Chicago. Its membership includes some public employees as well as workers in the food service and hotel industries.

Political action committees associated with the International Union of Operating Engineers are career patrons of former Governor George Ryan (R), Secretary of State Jesse White (D), Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Comptroller Daniel Hynes (D), Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson, Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, and Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka (R).

From January 1, 1993 through June 30 2006, political action committees associated with the International Union of Operating Engineers gave $3,750,000 to candidates for Illinois statewide constitutional and legislative office ($1,119,000 from IUOE Local 399 - Chicago, $1,021,000 from Local 150 Ð Countryside, $391,000 from Local 649 Ð Peoria, $229,000 from Local 143 Ð Bridgeview). 60% of these funds went to Democrats.

Last revised September 2006.