In Savoy, Illinois, significant changes are underway for union workers in the region, as the East Central Illinois AFL-CIO introduced new leadership on Wednesday evening. Nine newly appointed officers were sworn in to represent more than 18,000 union members across 11 counties, stretching from Iroquois County in the north to Jasper County in the south.

Luther Baker has taken on the role of president, with a clear mission to ensure that all members feel valued and supported. “I will be actively reaching out to our members, inviting them to our meetings, and doing everything possible to make sure they are recognized and appreciated for their hard work,” Baker stated. “Having been a union member myself for a decade, I understand the importance of building on past achievements.”

Luther Baker is the new president, and he said, in his new role, his goal is to make sure all of the members feel supported.

“I am going to be reaching out and making sure that they do feel represented, welcoming them to our meetings, just anything that I can do to make sure that they are being seen, heard, and appreciated for all their work,” Baker said. “I’ve been a union member for 10 years, so I know that it’s very important to capitalize on what you have achieved.”

He added that another goal of his is to continue their community engagement, like the annual Labor Day parade. Baker also said that he’ll continue working for IBEW Local 601.