Public Accountability Report

The Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board was created on January 1, 1984 by Public Act 83-1014, the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. The Act establishes the right of educational employees to organize and freely choose their representatives; requires educational employers to negotiate and bargain with employee organizations representing educational employees and to enter into written agreements evidencing the result of such bargaining; and establishes procedures to provide for the protection of the rights of the educational employee, the educational employer, and the public.

On August 11, 2003, Public Act 93-0409 reconstituted the Board to five members. These members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Illinois Senate. Board members must be residents of Illinois and have a minimum of five years’ direct experience in labor and employment relations. The Board’s jurisdiction covers approximately 1,000 public school districts, community colleges, and state universities and well over 1,000 bargaining units of educational employees.

The Board investigates representation petitions; conducts elections; certifies/decertifies exclusive representatives; amends and clarifies certifications; investigates unfair labor practice charges; conducts evidentiary hearings; issues written decisions through the Executive Director, administrative law judges, and the Board; and mediates labor disputes to allow parties resolution without litigation. The Board enforces compliance with arbitration awards and provides information on contract negotiations between educational employers and exclusive representatives upon initiation of the public posting process.