The Fund was created by a Trust Agreement between the Southern Illinois Laborers’ District Council and the Associated General Contractors of Illinois. Its purpose was to administer contributions required under collective bargaining agreements and credit employer contributions to participant accounts based on reported hours worked. Administrative services initially began in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Life and health benefits began in June 1978. Vision benefits were added in June 1979. Dental benefits were introduced in December 1980, and dependent life coverage became available in December 1985.
An Annuity Fund was established, and the Health & Welfare Fund entered into an agreement to provide administrative services for the Annuity Fund.
A Preferred Provider/Utilization Program was implemented in January 1992, followed by a mail order drug program in January 1993.
The Fund merged with the Laborers’ Industrial & Public Employees Health & Welfare Fund, and the administrative office relocated to Cairo, Illinois.
A retail drug program was adopted in July 1997, and a Member Assistance Program commenced in May 1999.
A Vacation Fund was established in April 2001 to create a vacation savings plan for construction workers and related occupations. Hearing benefits were added in May 2001, and the retail drug program expanded to include Specialty Drugs and Bio-Injectables in April 2005.
The administrative office moved to Marion, Illinois, next to the Southern & Central Illinois Laborers’ District Council and Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 773.
The Fund Office employs 10 full-time staff members providing services to approximately 2,100 members and their dependents.