Janus v. AFSCME: The myth of ‘free riders’
Janus v. AFSCME: The myth of ‘free riders’
Government unions claim providing workers with a choice whether to pay fees to a union will result in "free riders" - but that claim is disingenuous.
US Supreme Court hears oral arguments in labor case centered on Illinois state worker
US Supreme Court hears oral arguments in labor case centered on Illinois state worker
Springfield native Mark Janus saw his case come before the U.S. Supreme Court for oral arguments Feb. 26.
US Supreme Court to hear arguments in landmark labor case, Janus v. AFSCME
US Supreme Court to hear arguments in landmark labor case, Janus v. AFSCME
For the last four decades, millions of government workers across the nation have faced an unfair decision: Pay fees to a union, or lose your job. But Janus v. AFSCME could restore government workers' constitutional rights to freedom of speech and association.
Palatine-Schaumburg school board member raises conflict-of-interest concerns
Palatine-Schaumburg school board member raises conflict-of-interest concerns
A District 211 board member is sitting in on negotiations with the same teachers union that bought her campaign signs during the 2017 District 211 school board election. But much more than yard signs, Illinois' collective bargaining laws for government worker unions stack the deck against local taxpayers.
Illinois teachers saw union dues flow to Chicago groups, politics and Madigan
Illinois teachers saw union dues flow to Chicago groups, politics and Madigan
Government worker unions can use their members' dues in any number of ways. The most recent federal filings of one of Illinois' largest teachers unions reveal millions of dollars directed disproportionately to Chicago and to political causes with which their members may disagree.
CTU merger with charter school union is bad for both students and teachers
CTU merger with charter school union is bad for both students and teachers
The Chicago Teachers Union's hold over the lives of Chicagoans will grow through its merger with ChiACTS, the union representing Chicago-area charter school teachers.
West Chicago teachers set to go on strike
West Chicago teachers set to go on strike
A government worker union in West Chicago will vote Jan. 26 whether to authorize a strike for District 94's 141 high school teachers. A strike would leave over 2,000 students in the lurch - a tactic not allowed in any of Illinois' neighboring states.
‘Right to strike’ being used against West Chicago taxpayers and students
‘Right to strike’ being used against West Chicago taxpayers and students
Illinois has enshrined a "right to strike" in state law, effectively giving government worker unions the power to shut down government services to get what they want. The latest example: A teachers' union in West Chicago may go on strike in February to force 22 percent pay raises over the course of the next contract.
Chicago offers 5-year deal to snowplow operators following strike threat
Chicago offers 5-year deal to snowplow operators following strike threat
Illinois’ unfair collective bargaining laws led to a five-year contract offer on the eve of a strike vote.
Freeze-out: Government union strike could cripple Chicago this winter
Freeze-out: Government union strike could cripple Chicago this winter
A potential strike by Teamsters Local 700 – which represents snowplow operators in Chicago – could have a disastrous impact on travel and safety in the city. Unlike neighboring states, Illinois law enshrines this “right to strike,” thereby giving government worker unions enormous power in bargaining.
Illinois’ government union laws drive up costs as negotiations drag on
Illinois’ government union laws drive up costs as negotiations drag on
Unlike most of its neighbors, Illinois places no limits on the types of provisions that can be negotiated into government worker contracts.
Government unions, your property tax bill and the power of giving
Government unions, your property tax bill and the power of giving
Balancing the scales at the bargaining table is an essential step in fixing the property tax problem.
Rigged: How Illinois’ labor laws stack the deck against taxpayers
Rigged: How Illinois’ labor laws stack the deck against taxpayers
If Illinois is going to compete with its neighbors – and keep people from moving out of the state – it must reduce the enormous property tax burden its families are forced to bear. Following the lead of surrounding states by enacting collective bargaining reforms is one good place to start.
Cook County jail worker abused family leave, called off work 60 times
Cook County jail worker abused family leave, called off work 60 times
A suspended Cook County Jail corrections officer faces termination following serial abuses of a federal family leave rule.