The Chicago Teachers Union has a history of demanding contract provisions far beyond wages and benefits. If Amendment 1 passes in November, government unions such as CTU will have a right to demand virtually anything and go on strike to get those demands met.
The Rev. Phalese Binion worked to help people find affordable housing, but she didn’t truly understand the property tax problem until she bought her own home. Now the former union member sees a new property tax threat from Amendment 1.
“Others should also vote ‘no’ for Amendment 1 since its costs are undefined and limitless. Property tax increases hurt everyone, and Amendment 1 will only make it worse. This is unsustainable.”
“Anything that enhances or expands the roles of public sector unions in our state, is from a financial standpoint at a minimum, likely to result in a higher cost of living for Illinois residents, regardless of your class, retired or working. I think this amendment will negatively affect anyone who is a taxpayer.”
Proponents of Amendment 1 claim it applies to all workers, mimics other state constitutions and would help the economy. Wrong. Wrong. And wrong.
"Amendment 1 wants to give union bosses more power and raise taxes again? I can’t vote for this!”
The Cook County College Teachers Union voted to strike by the end of October if an agreement is not reached. Union members are demanding subsidies for student housing and child care costs along with higher wages and smaller classes.
Despite proponents’ claims, the rights outlined in Amendment 1 cannot apply to non-government employees. U.S. Supreme Court precedent already makes that clear. So did the proposal’s Illinois Senate sponsor.
A constitutionally required pamphlet intended to inform voters about Amendment 1 includes misleading and inaccurate claims. It fails to alert voters what they are really voting on, which is a property tax increase.
A union member argues both government union members and taxpayers lose if Amendment 1 passes Nov. 8. He’s against it.
The constitutional amendment question at the top of the ballot may not include the words “Workers’ Rights Amendment” or even “Amendment 1.” So what will it say?
“Amendment 1 is going to harm me personally because it will raise my property taxes. Taxes on my property are already astronomical."
Inconsistent language between the teachers’ and educational support employees’ contracts highlights a two-tiered discipline system
For 52 years the Illinois Constitution’s pension protection clause has locked the state into retirement promises it cannot afford. Amendment 1 could do the same for government union demands, handing taxpayers the bill.