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More than 2 years later, AFSCME still fighting state on new contract

By Mailee Smith

08/11/2017

Since the expiration of AFSCME’s contract with the state of Illinois on July 1, 2015, the union has ignored the state’s financial plight, sticking to its demands and refusing reasonable contract provisions offered by Gov. Bruce Rauner.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, Bruce Rauner, labor, unions

Federal bill would give more rights to workers in unionized workplaces

By Mailee Smith

07/20/2017

A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would allow workers a real say in which union represents them, require secret ballots for union voting, and ensure that all workers’ voices count – not just those who align with the union.

TAGS: labor, unions

CTA rail workers’ union threatens strike, CTA claims a strike would be illegal

By Kevin Angell

07/19/2017

Union officials have voiced concern over contract issues such as the CTA seeking higher worker contributions toward health insurance and the elimination of “inefficient practices.”

TAGS: Chicago, CTA: Chicago Transit Authority, strike

3 reasons charter school teachers should vote against union merger with CTU

By Mailee Smith

06/07/2017

Unionized teachers at Chicago charter schools are voting on whether to merge with the Chicago Teachers Union – a move that would be detrimental to both teachers and students in Chicago.

TAGS: Chicago, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, education

Chicago’s inspector general suggests unions negotiate commonsense provisions in government worker contracts

By Mailee Smith

06/07/2017

Among the inspector general’s suggestions are shortening the length of contracts, allowing subcontractors to take over more services, and keeping employee compensation in line with what taxpayers can afford.

TAGS: Chicago, Joseph Ferguson, labor, unions

Illinois state worker case could bring Right to Work to public sector workers in all 50 states

By Mailee Smith

06/06/2017

The public employees in Janus v. AFSCME have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the state of Illinois from forcing workers to pay union fees as a condition of government employment.

TAGS: labor, right to work, U.S. Supreme Court, unions

In East Aurora, battle over busing is just the tip of the iceberg

By Mailee Smith

05/26/2017

In East Aurora, Illinois, the District 131 school board has approved a proposal to provide bus transportation for students, but the teachers union has balked at a quick implementation of the plan.

TAGS: Aurora, education, IFT: Illinois Federation of Teachers, labor, unions

SB 1905 designed to ban local Right to Work in Illinois

By Jim Long

05/20/2017

The Illinois House Labor and Commerce Committee has passed a bill to prohibit municipalities in Illinois from enacting local Right-to-Work measures. The bill now heads to the full House of Representatives for a hearing.

TAGS: collective bargaining, Illinois House of Representatives, labor, local government, right to work, unions

East Aurora teachers union puts brakes on school busing

By Mailee Smith

05/10/2017

Unionized teachers in East Aurora demonstrate that unions are willing to put their own agendas above the wellbeing and education of students.

TAGS: Aurora, education, IFT: Illinois Federation of Teachers, labor, unions

Illinois Senate bill intended to kill local worker freedom laws in Illinois

By Amy Korte

05/03/2017

The Illinois Senate has passed a bill to overturn municipal Right-to-Work ordinances and prevent Illinois localities from expanding worker freedom in their communities.

TAGS: Ira Silverstein, labor, right to work, unions

AFSCME: The 800-pound gorilla at the negotiating table

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees claims to be seeking a “fair contract” on behalf of Illinois state workers. But the power and influence exerted by the state’s largest government-worker union means the bargaining table almost always tilts in AFSCME’s favor. The reality is that AFSCME is the power player in negotiations...

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Labor

AFSCME: The 800-pound gorilla at the negotiating table

Manny Cunningham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students