Head of union local resigns over pension reports

The business manager of Local 134 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has resigned in the wake of published reports he violated state law by collecting a pension from the city of Chicago while participating in a union pension plan.

The Chicago Tribune reported Tim Foley on Monday submitted his resignation to the executive board of the 15,000-member union he has headed for five years. Foley blamed news reports about his pension arrangements for his decision to resign. He said the reports impacted how he is perceived by the public.

According to Tribune reports, Foley has been receiving a $105,000 city pension based on his salary with Local 134. A little-known state law allows that. He is also collecting an annual union salary of about $160,000.