Former AFSCME boss admits to embezzling $200,000 in union dues

By Patrick Andriesen

04/14/2023

A former Alton labor union president pleaded guilty to transporting thousands of dollars in stolen member dues across state lines to gamble and pay for personal expenses.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Chicago alderman pushes to cap union donations in city races

By Dylan Sharkey

04/13/2023

Chicago Ald. Gilbert Villegas, 36th ward, is working on an ordinance that would limit the amount unions can donate to a candidate in an election cycle.

Nearly 1 in 5 leave Illinois government union since getting a choice

By Mailee Smith

04/13/2023

AFSCME Council 31’s own federal reports show 18.5% of workers have chosen to break away since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME. It could be because less than 21% of the union’s spending is on representing its members.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Illinois Forward 2024: A sustainable state budget plan

By Bryce Hill

02/14/2023

After years of enhanced revenue from federal aid, a return to the basic principles of budgeting can put Illinois on the path to long-term financial stability

What’s next for Amendment 1?

By Mailee Smith

12/26/2022

Now that the Illinois Constitution has been amended to expand government union power, residents can expect to see costly government union demands, increased taxes and litigation to clarify its vague language.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Illinois labor board says government unions cannot discriminate against nonmembers

By Mailee Smith

11/30/2022

Illinois government unions wrote the law that gives them a monopoly over all government employees in a unionized workplace. And that means they can’t discriminate against workers who choose not to be members.

TAGS: government unions, ILRB: Illinois Labor Relations Board

Illinois already has most extreme labor laws in U.S.

By Mailee Smith, Hannah Schmid

11/04/2022

Illinois law already allows some government union contracts to override state law. Amendment 1 would allow all government union contracts to do so.

TAGS: Amendment 1, labor, unions, workers rights amendment

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

By Aimee Morrissey, Perry Zhao, Joe Tabor

11/03/2022

On Nov. 8, Illinoisans will vote for important judge positions, including three Illinois Supreme Court justices and 16 appellate court judges. Their decisions impact daily life, yet about 25% of voters leave their ballots blank when they get to the judges.

TAGS: election, judges

Champaign teachers union contract allows intoxicated teachers to show up for work

By Perry Zhao

09/14/2022

Inconsistent language between the teachers’ and educational support employees’ contracts highlights a two-tiered discipline system

TAGS: teachers union

Get the facts: Amendment 1 study guide

By Mailee Smith, Bryce Hill

08/26/2022

The so-called “Workers’ Rights Amendment” would lead to substantial tax increases for working Illinoisans and small business owners.

TAGS: Amendment 1, workers rights amendment

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

Former AFSCME boss admits to embezzling $200,000 in union dues

Chicago alderman pushes to cap union donations in city races

Nearly 1 in 5 leave Illinois government union since getting a choice

Illinois Forward 2024: A sustainable state budget plan

What’s next for Amendment 1?

Illinois labor board says government unions cannot discriminate against nonmembers

Illinois already has most extreme labor laws in U.S.

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

Champaign teachers union contract allows intoxicated teachers to show up for work

Get the facts: Amendment 1 study guide

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students