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

Palatine-area District 15 support staff returned to work at the end of October, following a two-week strike. But workers are still without a contract, making the strike nothing more than a show of union muscle at the expense of workers, students and parents.

Under Illinois law, government employees can choose to walk out on strike – but it carries risks. Striking workers give up wages and benefit contributions – and maybe even their jobs – when they walk out.

When contract negotiations get tough, school employee unions should not be able to strike. It only serves to punish students and their parents, and it gives unions an unfair tool at the negotiating table.

Illinois is the only state in the region that allows government workers to go on strike, effectively depriving residents of services they need and driving up the highest property tax bills in the nation.

Union officials have voiced concern over contract issues such as the CTA seeking higher worker contributions toward health insurance and the elimination of “inefficient practices.”

State workers represented by AFSCME just voted to authorize a strike. Unfortunately, members might have based their votes on myths perpetuated by the union.

Illinois state workers who don’t want to go on strike can become fair share payers. Here’s how.

State workers represented by AFSCME are currently voting on whether to authorize a strike - here's what's at stake for employees who decide to honor a strike.

With a strike looming, state workers should know they have another option: becoming fair share payers. Fair share employees receive all the benefits guaranteed in a union-negotiated contract, but the union cannot punish them for working during a strike.