CISCO and the Future of Union Construction

SMACNA Greater Chicago members gathered on March 10 for our monthly member meeting. The guest presenter was Dan Allen, a proud three-generation IBEW 134 member and representative of CISCO — the Construction Industry Service Corporation. A collaborative labor-management organization, CISCO works to enhance the competitive edge of union construction by cultivating trust between contractors and building trades unions across the Chicago metro area.

Key highlights from Allen’s presentation included:
• Workforce Pipeline & Youth Outreach: CISCO connects young people to careers in the skilled trades through hands-on career fairs, including a recent DuPage County event that drew 600–700 students, along with direct outreach to school counselors. “This is an amazing industry,” Allen noted. “It just doesn’t have the right marketing.”
• Community Access & Equity: Programs like Hire 360 and Access United extend CISCO’s reach into disadvantaged communities, offering free entrance exam training and fully-loaded backpacks to students.
• Political Advocacy: CISCO testifies and sends letters to elected officials on behalf of the industry. The organization participates in the Illinois State Apprenticeship Council, the Prevailing Wage Committee and Fair Contracting events.
• Legislative Watch: Allen flagged an IMSCA provision that could unintentionally limit apprentice opportunities on public jobs by redefining prevailing wage requirements. The provision carries a sunset clause through June and is one CISCO is closely monitoring.
• Scholarships & Data Center Advocacy: CISCO awards scholarships annually and is conducting research-backed outreach to counter misinformation about data centers and their role in regional construction growth.

Allen closed with an encouraging message for SMACNA Greater Chicago members: “We are behind you 100%. We’re the forcefield behind you, and we help level the playing field.”