5 years after Janus v. AFSCME, unions are smaller but more militant
5 years after Janus v. AFSCME, unions are smaller but more militant
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of Illinois state worker Mark Janus in 2018 gave government workers the ability to stop funding government union politics. Chastened unions could have reformed. Instead, they got extreme.
By Mailee Smith, Patrick Andriesen
Chicago cops demand parental leave after mayor gives it to teachers
Chicago cops demand parental leave after mayor gives it to teachers
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson handed parental leave to his former employers at the Chicago Teachers Union with no negotiation. Now the city’s police union wants it.
By Dylan Sharkey
Welch, Harmon get millions from teachers unions before blocking school choice for poor kids
Welch, Harmon get millions from teachers unions before blocking school choice for poor kids
It’s a simple choice for Illinois’ top legislative leaders this fall: listen to the over $1 million each got in campaign cash from teachers unions, or back the futures of 9,600 low-income students with a tax credit that is barely a blip in the $50 billion state budget.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois bill would allow 10 paid days off from teaching for union lobbying
Illinois bill would allow 10 paid days off from teaching for union lobbying
Illinois lawmakers passed a bill giving teachers 10 paid days off for union advocacy if elected to union leadership positions.
By Dylan Sharkey
California considers misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1
California considers misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1
Illinois labor leaders claimed their push to enshrine public union supremacy in the Illinois Constitution was the “blueprint” for other states. Now both California and Pennsylvania are following Illinois’ lead.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago Teachers Union repeatedly pushes for tax hikes in Springfield
Chicago Teachers Union repeatedly pushes for tax hikes in Springfield
The Chicago Teachers Union registered its opinion on legislation more than 1,360 times in just six legislative sessions. Its legislative priorities would drive up taxes and make government more expensive, no matter where you live in Illinois.
By Mailee Smith
CTU told lawmakers what to do over 1,360 times in just 6 legislative sessions
CTU told lawmakers what to do over 1,360 times in just 6 legislative sessions
The Chicago Teachers Union pours money into political campaigns, but that isn’t all. It also pressures lawmakers to abide by its legislative agenda. It’s a one-two political punch: helping elect lawmakers and then telling them what to do.
By Mailee Smith
One-third of SEIU workers reject union membership
One-third of SEIU workers reject union membership
It could be because less than 22% of SEIU HCII’s spending is on representing workers – what should be the core purpose of the union.
By Mailee Smith
Brandon Johnson appoints Chicago Teachers Union leader to transition team
Brandon Johnson appoints Chicago Teachers Union leader to transition team
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s cabinet includes staff from the Chicago Teachers Union and Service Employees International Union.
By Dylan Sharkey
Johnson makes union labor a Chicago priority
Johnson makes union labor a Chicago priority
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has created a new deputy mayor position for labor relations, but the job description is about boosting labor power rather than fostering relations and safeguarding taxpayers.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago Public Schools principals file petition to unionize
Chicago Public Schools principals file petition to unionize
The Chicago Principals and Administration Association president said the new union would advocate for better pay and working conditions. But Chicago Public School principals already earn nearly 30% more than their Illinois peers.
By Patrick Andriesen
Brandon Johnson issues 4 executive orders on 1st day in office
Brandon Johnson issues 4 executive orders on 1st day in office
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is starting his administration with four executive orders, expanding youth employment and adding three new deputy mayors for immigration, labor and community safety.
By Dylan Sharkey
Pennsylvania unions push misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1
Pennsylvania unions push misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1
Pennsylvania’s House Bill 950 is worded exactly like Illinois’ Amendment 1. Illinois labor leaders recently claimed Illinois’ amendment is the “blueprint” for other states, such as Pennsylvania.
By Mailee Smith
Former AFSCME boss admits to embezzling $200,000 in union dues
Former AFSCME boss admits to embezzling $200,000 in union dues
A former Alton labor union president pleaded guilty to transporting thousands of dollars in stolen member dues across state lines to gamble and pay for personal expenses.
By Patrick Andriesen