Illinois labor leader Soderstrom honored

September 2, 2012 (STREATOR, Ill.) (WLS) -- On the day before Labor Day, a major leader of Illinois labor was honored in downstate Streator.

The day started with a parade through the town.

Reuben Soderstrom lived in Streator for most of his life.

He had a major role in developing much of the state's labor legislation.

One of his signature achievements was advancing child labor law.

After the parade a statue of Soderstrom was unveiled in a city park.

Soderstrom served several terms in the Illinois legislature.

He led the Illinois Federation of Labor and later the state AFL-CIO for 40 years until his death.

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