Springfield native Mark Janus saw his case come before the U.S. Supreme Court for oral arguments Feb. 26.

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.

Unlike most of its neighbors, Illinois places no limits on the types of provisions that can be negotiated into government worker contracts.

Balancing the scales at the bargaining table is an essential step in fixing the property tax problem.

An Illinois appellate court ruled Nov. 6 the state must pay “step” raises to the approximately 35,000 state workers represented by AFSCME – a cost that burdens already overtaxed Illinoisans.

A solution to the union’s “free rider” claim is on the table. Why doesn’t it enjoy union support?

For four decades, government workers have been denied their First Amendment right to freedom of association, but that could change with a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2018.

Government-worker unions can negotiate for months or even years without reaching a new contract, and can use negotiations to push for even cushier perks from pricier health insurance to paid time off for birthdays.