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1. What is IPELRA?

The Illinois Public Employer Labor Relations Association is an organization of public sector labor relations professionals charged with representing management with respect to collective bargaining and labor relations matters. The Association serves as a resource and advocate, providing top-quality training, information, networking opportunities, and support for legislative initiatives that further management’s interests in effective labor relations.

2. Why should I join IPELRA?

While there are many quality organizations that serve human resources professionals, IPELRA is the only one in Illinois that focuses primarily on public sector collective bargaining and labor relations. The Association provides year-round, cost-effective training from experts in the field of collective bargaining and labor relations, and IPELRA has had a seat at the table when legislation is being drafted that affects all of its members. Membership affords access to top-quality newsletters with important and timely information concerning the field, recent arbitration awards, and settlements, impending legislation, etc. Finally, the cost of membership is much lower than the cost of membership in other organizations, making it a true bargain.

3. Who belongs to IPELRA?

IPELRA membership is open to public sector labor relations professionals who represent management. We have members from Illinois municipalities, educational institutions, park districts, state agencies, and county governments, as well as many attorneys who practice public sector labor law representing management.

4. How do I sign up?

Go to the NPELRA page here!

5. What kind of training does IPELRA offer?

The training committee develops a year-long training calendar made up of half-day or full-day seminars. In addition, the Association holds a three-day long annual training conference each fall, currently at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena. We have offered, and regularly repeat, a simulated bargaining two-day program for members to delve deeply into the collective process. We provide supervisory training, legal updates, and targeted training, just to name a few.

6. How can I become involved in IPELRA beyond just membership?

We are always looking for assistance in the many committees that make up IPELRA. Whether it is the Training Committee, Legislative Advocacy Committee, Membership/Marketing/Technology Committee, Awards Committee, Nominations Committee, or Sponsorship Committee, we can always use help and fresh minds.

7. How do I become a sponsor of IPELRA and how much does it cost?

IPELRA relies on the support of vendors and providers to help keep membership the best value in town. IPELRA also supports its sponsors by providing name recognition to its membership through its newsletter, at its annual training conference, and throughout the year, and encouraging its members to patronize those sponsors.