Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

Go to the NPELRA page here!

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.

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.

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.

No. By joining your local chapter, you are automatically a member of National PELRA. If you don't have a state chapter, you may join via the Non-Affiliated or Multiple States membership.

You can still become a member of just the National Public Employee Labor Relations Association! You are still eligible for all of the member categories and enjoy all member benefits as a Non-Affiliated or Multiple States member.

Yes! If you are a new member* and join during the calendar year, your fees will be prorated based on the start of the membership cycle, January 1st. The discount will apply at checkout.

If you are a renewing member, your fees will not be prorated. 

 *Not a member in the prior 12 months