United Way and organized labor have been partnering since 1942.
We first came together right after World War II, as an innovative way to rebuild our nation. We looked different back then, but our shared passion for building a better world was evident from the start.
United Way (then Community Chests and Councils) and labor’s umbrella organizations (the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations) worked together to create a mechanism for payroll deduction. That resulted in labor representation on United Way boards, and evolved into collaborative fundraising and community development.
Since then, unions have been strong partners in the workplace campaign, encouraging union members to give and volunteer.
Learn more about our national partnership on the United Way Worldwide website.
Our Local Partnership
United Way of Champaign County is grateful to partner with many local Labor Unions and Councils to promote volunteerism, giving, and support for the entire local nonprofit community.
ECIBCTC "Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar" Golf Outing
Since 2012, the ECI Building Trades Council has hosted a golf outing to support the Kindergarten Calendar. This generosity has allowed us to provide the calendar FREE to all preschool families in our community!
National Association of Letter Carriers "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive
United Way is proud to collaborate with the NALC to support the annual Food Drive efforts!
211 Awareness
The AFL-CIO of Champaign County supports United Way's 211 Help Line by providing informational cards free of charge to the community. Labor unions have also invited United Way representatives to speak about the 211 service to their members, who often meet families in crisis.
Labor Day Parade
United Way proudly participates in the Labor Day parade. In 2020, the Labor Day Parade was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Local labor generously donated the funds that would have been spent on that event to United Way's COVID-19 relief fund.
Labor Liasion
Brad Diel is the AFL-CIO Labor Liasion for United Way of Champaign County. He is a member of Champaign Firefighters Local 1260.
You can reach Brad via email or by calling 217-352-5151.
