Meet the Illinoisan at the center of a historic Supreme Court case
Meet the Illinoisan at the center of a historic Supreme Court case
A Janus victory would end forced fees for government workers nationwide.
Government union lobbying turns legislation against students
Government union lobbying turns legislation against students
SB 2838 was meant to aid school districts – and students – by providing a means for schools to recruit substitute teachers. But government union lobbying transformed it into a pro-union, pro-strike bill that hinders educational opportunities for students during teacher strikes.
Janus v. AFSCME: A new era of freedom for government workers on the line
Janus v. AFSCME: A new era of freedom for government workers on the line
The Janus case could mean the restoration of government workers’ constitutional right to free speech.
Bill to rein in state health care costs killed in the Senate
Bill to rein in state health care costs killed in the Senate
Senate Democrats killed a chance this week to rein in government spending, instead siding with government unions that prioritize their own power over the fiscal health of the state. Illinois taxpayers pay nearly $15,000 per state worker in health care costs alone under the most recent contract with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
Bill would allow government bonuses for union members, but ban them for other state workers
Bill would allow government bonuses for union members, but ban them for other state workers
Government worker unions and their allies are preparing for a potential loss in Janus v. AFSCME, doing whatever they can to bolster union ranks. One example: House Bill 5309, which would privilege union status over the interests of other state government workers.
Union pay raise could force Kane County property tax hike
Union pay raise could force Kane County property tax hike
As Kane County officials prepare for union contract negotiations, county taxpayers might soon be bracing for higher property taxes.
Rich Ayers
Rich Ayers
“At two points in my life I was required to pay union dues to stay employed. “It’s been almost 25 years since I’ve been [retired from the police force]. My sense is the union is more political now. “My police union first started in the early ‘70s, late ‘60s. They came in with their organizing...
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.