As Kane County officials prepare for union contract negotiations, county taxpayers might soon be bracing for higher property taxes.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The Illinois House failed – by just one vote – to override Rauner’s veto of SB 1905, a ban of local Right-to-Work ordinances. But the bill is likely come back for another vote.

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.